The heavy wooden door creaked open, spilling a narrow strip of candlelight across the floor. Inside, the room glowed dimly—shadows swayed on the walls, alive and watching.
Aazin's hand tightened around Tina's delicate fingers."Come," he urged gently, almost reverently.
Tina's face flickered in the candlelight, her eyes carrying the fragile spark of hope. Excitement, fear, and desperate longing wrestled inside her as she whispered, "Mister… this fifteen thousand… it means my father might live. Thank you. Truly…"
Her gaze dropped, trembling. It's my first time… and yet, I'm strangely happy. I… I think I'm falling for you, mister.
Aazin tilted his head, lips curling into a smile that was equal parts warmth and possession. Leaning close, his breath brushed against her ear as he murmured, "I've already fallen into your love."
Tina froze. Her chest tightened."Do… do you mean it?"
"Yes," he breathed. "Every word."
