Under the Lotus 2

Penelope's smile gradually fell down as the sincerity of Zagan's words sunk into her heart, and she tugged him back toward her, returning her mouth to his more softly this time. It was like her heart was speaking to the absence of his, trusting it would appear to mirror its beats with her own. She would bring it to life and teach it what it needed to know.

Zagan made himself open to her, accepting the gentle, silent words that were pouring themselves into the aching hollow space of him and prodding him, inviting him forth—but toward what, he didn't know. Likely toward his death, but if it was this achingly sweet to walk that plank toward the abyss of an unknown fate that yawned threateningly beneath him, he would gladly do it. If she was safe and she was willing to lead him there, he would do it.