Page 55 of Eternal Mate

Like so, most of the civilians were cleared out almost overnight, leaving the apartment building feeling even more empty than before.

Those of us who stayed decided to be more… community-oriented, I would say. It took some coaxing, but Auren finally relented, and we decided to celebrate our victories with a bonfire.

A few evenings later his agreement, while the fire crackled before us and cast dancing shadows on our faces, I knew the time had come to address the words left unsaid.

I mustered my courage, my heart pounding in my chest, threatening to drown out the sound of my own voice.

"Sariel," I began, my voice steady but filled with vulnerability. "There's something important I need to talk to you about."

He turned his gaze towards me, his eyes reflecting curiosity and concern. "Of course, pup. What's on your mind?"

Drawing a deep breath, I intertwined my fingers nervously, searching for the right words. "The other night, when you told me you loved me, I... I didn't say it back."

I shuffled on my feet, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I've felt pretty guilty about it ever since. I just want you to know that I love you with all my heart. I don’t know where I would be right now without you."

Surprise flickered across his features before a gentle smile graced his lips.

Reaching out, he took my hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "Aria, you don't have to explain or feel guilty. I understood. Love has its own way of revealing itself, even without words. I’ve known all along that you care for me, and that’s enough."

Relief washed over me, tears welling up in my eyes. I leaned in to hide them, resting my head against his chest and feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

I melted into him when he squeezed me tighter.

"Thank you for understanding," I whispered, my voice filled with as much genuine appreciation as I could put in them. "I just… I never want there to be any doubts between us."

Sariel chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I never doubted it for even a second."

I couldn’t help but giggle at his smug tone, shaking my head a bit as he ran a hand up and down my spine.

In that moment, as we held each other in the warm glow of the fire, I realized that our love transcended the boundaries of language. It was a love that spoke through gestures, stolen glances, and the unwavering support we provided for one another.

21

SAFE AND SOUND

SARIEL

The evening wore on. The crackling bonfire illuminated the faces of our friends gathered around. Laughter and voices filled the air, mingling with a sense of both anticipation and melancholy.

The end of our journey was drawing near, and with it, the promise of a new beginning.

Aria's eyes met mine, and we exchanged a knowing smile. It was time to discuss the life we envisioned, which awaited us beyond the turmoil we’d endured.

Drawing closer to me, our shoulders touched, and she whispered, "Sariel, what do you see for once this is all over?"

Pausing for a moment to gather my thoughts, I inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of blooming flowers that perfumed the air around us. The delicate fragrance of jasmine mingled with the earthy aroma of the bonfire, creating a heady mix of scents that intoxicated my senses.

Amidst the snaps of the fire and the distant chirping of crickets, I searched for the right words.

"Freedom. Us finally getting to be who we want to be, without a million messes nipping at our heels," I replied, my voice a gentle whisper carried by the evening breeze. The soft rustling of leaves added a soothing melody to our conversation. "I want us to create the life we deserve, together."

As the words left my lips, a soft glow from the bonfire cast a warm, golden light upon Aria's face. Her eyes sparkled with adoration, and her smile radiated with a brilliance that outshone the flickering flames.

"I want that too," Aria confessed, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I want to wake up every morning with you by my side, sharing our joys and facing our challenges together. I just... want a life with you."

Her response filled me with warmth.

A symphony of emotions swelled within me, matched by the swell of the flames as they consumed the logs.

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