Malin stepped forward and pulled Rhaegal into a comforting hug. It was a simple gesture, yet it carried a weight neither of them expected. Rhaegal froze for a moment, surprised by the warmth that seeped into him. Then, slowly, all the tension he had been holding inside began to fade away. He let out a sigh, one that seemed to come from somewhere deep, and gently patted Malin's back before he stepped away. He moved back a little to put a small distance between them.
Malin's expression was bright as ever. His blonde hair caught the light and his smile was soft, almost like sunlight breaking through cloud. But as Rhaegal looked at him, he felt a dull ache in his chest.
He managed a faint smile, lifted a hand, and brushed his thumb across Malin's cheek.
"Why didn't you wait in the carriage?" he asked quietly as he lowered his hand.
