Nellie's enthusiasm was infectious, her gray eyes gleaming behind her glasses, and Lor couldn't help but grin wider, her joy a small victory that warmed his chest.
"You're gonna crush it," he said, his tone light but sincere. "I can already see you standing on that podium, Nellie."
She clasped her notes tighter, her blush deepening as she ducked her head, fingers playing with the end of her braid.
"You worked so hard for me… is there anything I can give you? To repay you?"
For a heartbeat, his instinct stirred, whispering possibilities.
Her trust, her shy gratitude—it was ripe for the taking, a thread he could pull to draw her closer, to name another price in the Light's name.
The memory of her body, soft and yielding in the tub, flashed through his mind, tempting him to push further.
But he shook his head, his smile softening, genuine in a way that surprised even him.
