Chapter 66

He loved Elara—her touch, her closeness, her breath. Her voice, her hair, her nails. Her smile, her soothing presence. The way her eyes glazed over when she was lost in thought, the slight upward curl at the tips of her hair. He loved the unintentional creases on her uniform. He loved how her eyes squinted when she was happy, and how her white teeth peeked through her lips when she smiled. He loved her enough to give his life for her. Did she want his life? He lowered his head, deep in thought. For the first time, he was genuinely afraid. He was willing to offer his life, but what if she refused it? "S-Scared… Elle, I'm scared." He echoed her words, his delicate eyelashes drooping helplessly. He looked like a forlorn, wandering noble with an air of sorrow. Elara had been keeping her distance, but his voice made her pause. She looked up and met his pleading gaze. "Elle… I… I am scared." She froze. Her clothes were already soaked through. They clung uncomfortably to her skin.