He smiled half-heartedly. He hobbled forward, laid down alongside her on the grass, exhaled gently as he settled, you know me better than that. "You're not the only one who finds it difficult to fall asleep amid a burning planet."
For some while, they listened to the faint flow of water and the distant murmur of wolves passing the camp. Their disagreement was more of shared obligations than of conflict; it was knowledge of too many secrets and inadequate answers. Aria stretched for his hand and, despite his injuries, he warmly and steadily wrapped his fingers around hers.
"Luca," she said gently, "you've done already so much. You assumed that magic and endangered your life. I cannot ask you to "
With a soft grip, he quieted her. "Aria, you never had to query. I made my decision without coercion. And I will keep producing it as long as you will have me at your side.
