Page 89 of Veil of Secrets

It’s ours.

Mine and hers.

No one else’s.

I glance at her briefly as we turn toward the street leading to the safehouse. She catches my eye and smiles faintly.

"You good?" she asks again quietly.

"I am," I say simply. "You?"

Her smile grows slightly, more genuine this time. "Still standing."

I nod, feeling the truth of that statement deep in my bones. "Good."

She bumps her shoulder gently against mine as we walk, voice teasing slightly through the seriousness. "You realize we probably look like hell right now?"

I smirk faintly, shaking my head slightly. "Not probably. Definitely."

"Yeah," she agrees softly, tone lighter now. "But I don’t care."

"Me neither," I say quietly.

We turn onto the street that leads us deeper into the shadows, away from the blood we've left behind, toward the fight we know is still coming.

But for now—just for a moment—this silence, this closeness, is enough.

The price of betrayal was blood. And we paid it.

Now, there's nothing left standing in our way.

Chapter 15 – Elara

The attic is warm. Wood groans quietly above us, as gentle rain taps at the shingles overhead. The lantern glows softly, throwing long shadows against the dusty walls. It feels like we’ve stepped into a pause in time—just me and Nico, hidden away from everything that's chased us here.

I sit curled up on the mattress in the corner, watching the flame dance gently inside the lantern. Nico sits close by, his back against the wooden beams, his gaze steady and thoughtful. I feel his eyes brush over me, cautious but unguarded, testing something new between us.

It’s strange—not awkward, just quiet in a way we haven’t experienced before. We’ve fought, bled, and survived together, but this closeness is different, vulnerable. I decide I don't want to shy away from it tonight.

Without breaking the quiet, I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out a long red silk scarf, rolling the fabric between my fingers. I watch him as I toss it gently toward him, and Nico catches it without hesitation, eyes flicking curiously to mine.

"Play with me," I say, my voice low but certain. "Just for now."

He raises an eyebrow, half amused, half intrigued. "What kind of game?"

I smile faintly, edging forward on my knees until I'm sitting closer, facing him fully. My heartbeat quickens slightly, nerves stirring beneath my skin—but not fear. Something warmer.

"I'm the princess," I say quietly, leaning in until my breath brushes lightly against his cheek. "You're the knight. Try not to mess it up."

He tilts his head slightly, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Noted."

The way he says it, calm and playful, makes something inside me loosen. This isn't survival tonight. This is softer. This is something we're both choosing.

I lift my chin slowly, meeting his eyes, letting him see the trust I'm placing in him. His gaze softens as he understands exactly what I'm asking for—not rescue, but safety. Control without cages. Touch without fear.

He leans forward gently, his fingers deftly looping the scarf around my wrists, tying it carefully. The silk is cool against my skin, his touch warm. He moves slowly, deliberately, eyes never leaving mine. When he's done, he holds my wrists gently in his hand, testing the bond—not restraint, but connection.

His voice drops lower, rough with quiet intensity. "Good?"

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