Emily cried herself into an exhausted sleep, her plush frame shuddering with final hitched sobs, milky white cheeks-streaked tear-glistened, raven ponytail splayed wild across the pillow.
Reyes scooped her up gentle from Hellen's lap—gloved arms cradling secure, cedar-steel pheromones blooming soft as she carried Emily upstairs to her sunlit bedroom, easing her onto silk sheets with reverent care.
She tucked the downy blanket snug around her limp legs, propping pillows like a protective nest on all sides to prevent rolls, brushing a loose raven strand from her peaceful face.
"You know, Emily," Reyes whispered hoarse to the sleeping form, eyes raw under her cap brim, scarred jaw softening rare, "I never thought I'd love someone like this—deep, consuming. Never... you drag everything out of me, light in my dark."
Emily always stirred Reyes's emotions without even trying, bringing out her caring and protective part out.
