Helena's POV
Leo's fingers intertwine with mine, his grip firm yet tender. I'm ready to leave the temple beside him, but his arms suddenly encircle me. The world tilts sideways and my knees buckle without warning. I don't recall stumbling, yet here I am, floating against the solid wall of his chest. My head falls against his shoulder blade.
Every shudder coursing through his frame reaches me - fury, gratitude, fear.
His pulse pounds against my ear, unwavering and powerful, tethering me to something real.
"I have you," he murmurs, though his words fracture midway. "I have you, love. You're protected."
Protected. The concept seems alien, too luminous amid the wreckage of all we've endured.
