章 232: Story 232: Rekindling the Flames

As Damien stood before his long-lost wife, Elara, the weight of years melted away. The fierce hunter, the hardened survivor—all his armor felt useless in her presence. Her eyes, bright and tender, reflected a love he had thought he’d never see again.

“Elara…” he whispered, reaching out, his voice catching as his fingers brushed her cheek. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes as if savoring a dream turned real.

“Damien,” she breathed, her voice a balm against his hardened heart. “I’ve waited so long for this moment, and feared it would never come.”

He pulled her close, feeling her warmth and steady heartbeat, grounding him in a reality he had longed for. They stood in silence, the rain pattering outside like a lullaby, and for the first time in years, Damien felt at peace.

Elara tilted her face up to him, her eyes full of questions and promises. “So much has changed, Damien. We have both changed. But right now, can we just… be?”