Chapter 61: Home

"Welcome home!" Iliana beamed at Markos, bounding across the distance between them and pulling the templar into an affectionate hug. Soft supple skin eagerly squished against the stiff metal of his armor. He returned the hug with a dumb grin. his face flushing a soft red. "I missed you." She murmured, placing a soft kiss on his lips before letting him go. 

Sintija watched the exchange in wide eyed amazement. "You're an ember." She felt a twinge of jealousy, ensnarling her heart. Her eyes met with Iliana's for a moment and that feeling burned away as she saw the warmth and joy in them. It was like being angry at the sun for its brilliance, that heat was something meant to be shared.