Adrian's POV
The moment the door of my chamber clicked shut behind us, I felt the world exhale.
Damien was still pressed against my back, his breath warm and uneven, chest rising and falling like he'd sprinted all the way from Blackthorn to Duskbane. Maybe he had. My heart was pounding so fiercely it felt like a living creature trapped inside my ribs, clawing at me, desperate to reach him.
I didn't turn immediately.
I was afraid that if I faced him, if I truly looked at him, I would crumble in a way no king should ever crumble.
But Damien didn't give me the chance to hesitate.
His hand slid around my waist, turning me gently but firmly until I was against him, my chest brushing his armor, my breath snagging when his forehead came to rest against mine.
"Adrian," he said, voice rough, low, almost broken. "By the gods… I thought I was losing my mind."
I shut my eyes.
