Chapter 403: Vessel Of Iron

Talia Baron waited for me with his arms folded across his chest, still standing at the port with a distant look in his eyes. “What’s on your mind?” I asked through our bond. “We’re going home,” he said. “I keep thinking about the children. About them and you… and our little boy. I keep thinking of so many things. How I frankly thought you were gone.” He shook his head, his face turning towards me and away from the sea, which was reflecting off the massive metal ship and casting an array of colors across his features. The sunlight reflected off the ship and bounced off his face—a mesmerizing mix of hues against his bronze skin. He looked breathtaking, and he was mine. I walked towards him and stopped just a few inches shy of touching him. “I just want to stay with you. I want to be in your arms and forget about everything.” I took his hand. “Can we just go?” I asked softly, raising my eyebrows, genuinely yearning for peace. He nodded and squeezed my hand gently, leading me up the st