CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT – A BEAUTIFUL DANCE

Late in the afternoon, as Clarissa dozed under an umbrella, Mara took the opportunity to slip away for a moment of peace. She walked along the shoreline, letting the cool water lap at her feet, lost in thought. "What’s on your mind?" Cassius' voice startled her out of her reverie. Mara turned to find him standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching her with an unreadable expression. "Oh, you know," she said, attempting a light tone. "Just enjoying a moment of quiet." Cassius moved closer, his shoulder brushing against hers as he came to stand beside her. "It's beautiful here, isn't it? Away from the crowds, the noise... just the sound of the waves." Mara nodded, acutely aware of his proximity. "It is. I wish..." she trailed off, biting her lip. "You wish what?" Cassius prompted gently. "I wish I could enjoy it more," Mara admitted. "Without worrying about what Clarissa might need next, or... or other complications." Cassius turned to face her fully, his dark eyes in