As the night wrapped around them like a
velvet curtain, Fiona's breathing slowed
against his shoulder. The tears had dried,
but the ache still echoed softly in her chest
He hadn't moved. He didn't even shift his
weight.
Just..
stayed.
She finally whispered, "What's your name?"
He looked down at her, voice quiet as a
secret.
"Lucien.'
Fiona repeated it under her breath, like she
was tasting it.
"Lucien..
It felt right. Safe. A name that felt like a
promise not to break her.
Lucien smiled gently. What's mine is yours
to say, whenever you're ready."
She glanced up at him. "Even your name is
patient."
He chuckled, low and warm, then said
nothing more
Because in that moment, silence said
everything.