Vera nodded. "She made one for you, and one for your brother, correct? A pair of pendants."
Aurelia's lips curved in a sad, wistful smile. "Yes. I gave mine to Aldric, right after I was cursed by Ishara's magic, and he gave his to me. We wanted something that would remind us of each other, something that kept us connected, even when we were apart, even when the world tried to pull us in different directions."
Her eyes, still luminous with unshed tears, turned to Valerian, a silent request in their depths. "Can you put me down, Valerian?"
Valerian hesitated, clearly unwilling to let her go, to relinquish the tangible comfort of holding her. His arms tightened instinctively like a protective reflex.
Aurelia noticed, a faint, understanding smile touching her lips. "Valerian," she said softly, but with a firmness that left no room for doubt.
He looked at her, his jaw still tight, his eyes searching hers.
