Lirien's POV
The walk back to Vael's quarters felt different tonight. The party music still echoed faintly in the distance, but everything around us felt quieter, more intimate. My hand stayed locked in Vael's the entire way, our fingers intertwined tightly. Neither of us spoke much. We didn't need words. The night had already said so much.
When the door finally slid shut behind us, sealing the outside world away, I let out a long breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Vael turned to me slowly. The look in his eyes made my stomach flutter warm, protective, and full of something deeper.
He stepped closer and carefully removed my mask, then took off his own. His fingers brushed my cheek as he did it.
"Let's shower," he said softly, his voice low and gentle. "I want to take care of you tonight."
I nodded, suddenly feeling shy even after everything we had shared.
