[Music recommendation: Melancholy · Alexey Kosenko]
.
.
Back at Valentine Residence…
Aliana kept her arms wrapped tightly around her husband's neck, her face buried in his shoulder and her body pressed against his long after her tears had dried. She felt deeply comforted by the way Gavriel cradled her head with one hand while his other moved in gentle, soothing strokes up and down her back.
When she had first started apologising for her reaction upon discovering his true identity, Gavriel hadn't known how to respond. In that chaotic moment, his only focus had been stopping her tears. But as she continued to cling to him, a profound warmth bloomed in his chest. He couldn't help but wonder how he had gotten so lucky to have her remain by his side willingly, even after learning the terrifying truth. Had he known she would forgive him so completely for keeping such a massive secret, he would have turned back time just to tell her sooner.
