Their eyes held, neither willing to break the silence. Layla's cheeks flushed, her breath uneven, but she did not turn away. Dorian's gaze was steady, filled with admiration and something deeper - a truth he could no longer hide.
Finally, he whispered, voice low but certain, "Layla... I can't keep this inside anymore."
Her lips parted, trembling with emotion. "Dorian... I feel the same. I was afraid to say it, I can't deny it anymore."
The words hung between them, fragile yet powerful. Dorian reached out, pulling her gently into his arms. Layla leaned against him, her hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the bandages.
She closed her eyes, whispering softly, "I don't want this moment to end."
Dorian's arms tightened around her, his voice firm but tender. "It won't. Not as long as I can hold you."
They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, the chaos of the night fading into silence. Layla felt strength of his embrace, but also vulnerability he allowed her to see. For the first time, she realized he wasn't just a warrior - he was a man who needed someone to stand beside him.
Her fingers curled into his shirt, her voice trembling. "Promise me... you won't push me away when things get hard."
Dorian tilted his head, meeting her eyes again. "I promise. You've already given me more than I deserve. I won't let go."
A soft knock echoed at the door, breaking the quiet. Layla pulled back slightly, startled, but Dorian kept his hand on hers, refusing to let the moment slip away.
A guard's voice came muffled through the wood. "The professor has been secured. The castle is safe for now."
Dorian exhaled, relief mixing with exhaustion. He glanced back at Layla, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Safe... because you were here."
Layla's cheeks warmed again, but she didn't look away this time. Instead, she leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.