Lara stood watching the sky when Thornak came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.
He kissed her cheek. Then he kissed her lips. Her face grew warm as color rushed to her face.
"Thornak," she said softly, "we're outside."
He smiled against her skin and held her close, as if he didn't care who saw.
"Let them see," he said calmly.
She exhaled, a small smile forming, despite herself. "I love you."
He smiled back, gently, and brushed another kiss to the tip of her nose.
"We will get through this," he said. "Together."
Lara nodded, placing her head on his chest.
Far from their quiet moment, at the very edge of the camp, a darker presence lingered.
The sorcerer stood at the border of the forest, his posture rigid, his gaze fixed on the camp beyond.
Anger rolled off him like a heavy wave. Akira and Nyalei stood on either side of him, watching the camp as well.
"Your powers are gone," Akira said. "What do we do now?"
Eryn's lips curved into a slow, cold smile.
