Ivan ran straight through Lydia's room, his heart racing so fast it felt like it might break through his chest. His hands trembled as he pushed open the door, terrified of what he might find. The thought of losing her, of finding her gone, had haunted him since the Senate session.
Relief washed over him when his eyes finally met the sight of her. She was there, lying quietly on her bed, her face turned slightly toward the firelight. She was asleep.
Ivan stood frozen for a moment, his breath unsteady. He had prepared himself for the worst, but now that he saw her safe, lying in front of him, he felt his chest ache in a different way. Slowly, he stepped closer, every sound of his boots against the floor heavy with emotion.
When he reached her side, his heart broke again. Her face was wet with tears. Even in her sleep, she had been crying. He bent down without a word and with a gentleness that almost hurt him, he wiped the tears away with his fingers, careful not to wake her.
