Chapter 189: A Bond of Fire

Caitlin watched Zendedari, feeling a rush of pride that bloomed so intensely it almost overwhelmed her. He might not yet be able to bear her touching another man, but the fact that he didn't hide that jealousy from her, that he hated the ugliness within him, made him all the more real. His flaws were worn like a badge of honor, and he never tried to paint himself in a better light than he deserved. And still, despite those flaws—perhaps because of them—she loved him. It wasn’t just his strength or the fierce protectiveness he displayed. It was his honesty, the way he embraced his own darkness and invited her to do the same. In him, she found something more than a partner; she found someone unafraid to reveal the parts of himself others would have concealed. He faced his demons daily, staring them down, refusing to give in. It was that unflinching determination she admired most. Barry groaned, bringing her back to the moment. He was still there, still bleeding and broken on the ground