Damien’s brow furrowed as he tilted his head to meet Chloe’s gaze, his body marked by multiple wounds. “Your shouts were so deafening, I was sure the echoes would reach the shores of Swanton across the sea.”
“Is it really you, Damien?” Chloe asked, tears glistening in her eyes as she took a hesitant step toward him. She knew her question was absurd, yet she craved reassurance from him. Looking up at the sky set aflame in brilliant, fiery hues and black birds streaking across it, she could not tell if this was reality, a dream, or possibly even hell.
“Does it not feel real to you?” Damien whispered, his eyes never leaving hers. He watched the tears trail down Chloe’s dirt-streaked face, a smile tugging at his lips. “Surely, you didn’t think your husband would die and leave you alone?”
“Of course not!” Chloe finally exclaimed, her eyes wide.
