Cassius felt as if his heart had cracked open, an unfamiliar ache spreading through his chest.
He walked forward slowly, crouching in front of her.
Curled up on the sofa, she looked like an abandoned kitten, small, fragile, and heartbreakingly adorable.
Something inside him stirred. A wave of compassion and tenderness washed over him, something he couldn't quite name.
Without thinking, he gently lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
Lying beside her, he pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her as if he could shield her from everything that had ever hurt her.
His fingers brushed lightly across her cheek, his voice low and comforting. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll protect you. From now on, this is your home.. always."
The moment those words left his lips, he froze. Even he was startled by the promise that had slipped out.
His eyes drifted toward the newlywed decorations scattered around the room.
