ARIA
I didn't know how long I stayed in Atlas's arms, crying. I just knew I didn't want to let go. It felt surreal—him standing in front of me and not some enemy wearing his face.
So when he kissed me, right there in front of everyone, I didn't pull away. I kissed him back, pouring into it every ounce of longing I'd buried deep inside.
He pressed his forehead to mine, and for a moment, the only thing that existed was our breath, our heartbeat. The forest, the danger—I forgot it all.
Then he pulled back, his brows drawn tight. "Can you walk?"
I nodded and took a step to prove it, but my knees gave out. I would've hit the ground if he hadn't caught me.
The exhaustion, the fear, it had all caught up. But I was safe. And if I had to collapse, I was glad it was in Atlas's arms.
"I see," Atlas murmured, stepping in to pick me up, but Elias moved quicker, blocking him with a hand and offering to do it instead.
