Thornak pushed the doors to his chamber open with one hand, still holding Lara. He set her down gently on the rug by the fireplace, his eyes fixed on her as though afraid she might vanish.
For a moment, he just looked at her. Then his hand rose, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
"You're beautiful," he said quietly. "Even when you're upset with me."
Lara felt her breath stop and her face grew hot until she thought she might melt under the weight of his gaze. But Thornak's eyes kept looking at her.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," he continued. "I should have ended Selene's games sooner. You didn't deserve that, not for a heartbeat."
He took her hands in his, pressing them against his chest where his heart beat hard and steady.
"I love you, only you," he said softly.
"What… what happened with Selene?"
