Zevran’s heart ached at the sight of Maika’s breathless, wide-eyed expression, her words cutting through the noise in his mind like a blade. She had every right to be shocked, to feel the urge to run—he had been gone for so long, after all. But hearing her say that she knew he’d never hurt her eased a part of his soul that had been knotted with fear and regret.
He released her wrist gently, his touch lingering for just a moment before he let his hand drop to his side. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the years that had passed weighing heavily on both of them. The playful smile that usually graced his lips was nowhere to be seen—instead, there was a look of deep sincerity, something that rarely surfaced in the charming rogue.
His words trailed off as he studied her, searching her face for any sign of what she might be feeling. Zevran was a master at reading people, but with Maika, it had always been different. She was someone he could never quite predict, and that was part of what had drawn him to her in the first place.
He took a small step back, giving her space, showing her that he wasn’t there to force anything, that he respected whatever decision she might make.
Zevran’s gaze was steady, his golden eyes locked onto hers, waiting for her response. This wasn’t a battle he could fight with blades or charm—this was something far more delicate, something that required him to be more vulnerable than he had been in years. And that terrified him, but for her, he was willing to take the risk.
@Maika Arainai
He released her wrist gently, his touch lingering for just a moment before he let his hand drop to his side. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the years that had passed weighing heavily on both of them. The playful smile that usually graced his lips was nowhere to be seen—instead, there was a look of deep sincerity, something that rarely surfaced in the charming rogue.
I don’t need anything from you, Maika,Zevran said softly, his voice still breathless from the chase but filled with earnestness.
I’m not here to take or demand anything. I’m here because I couldn’t stay away any longer. The Talon House is gone, the Crows who once hunted us are scattered... and I wanted—no, *needed*—to see you again. To know you’re safe, to see our child, if that’s even possible...
His words trailed off as he studied her, searching her face for any sign of what she might be feeling. Zevran was a master at reading people, but with Maika, it had always been different. She was someone he could never quite predict, and that was part of what had drawn him to her in the first place.
It has been a long time,he admitted, a touch of sadness creeping into his voice.
And I know I have no right to ask anything of you. But, Maika... I never stopped caring about you, about us. I had to stay away to keep you safe, but now that the danger is gone... I want to try to be a part of your life again, if you’ll let me. If there’s still a place for me in it.
He took a small step back, giving her space, showing her that he wasn’t there to force anything, that he respected whatever decision she might make.
But if you don’t want that, if you’d rather I leave you in peace...He hesitated, the words tasting bitter on his tongue, but he forced them out anyway.
Then I will respect that too. Just say the word, and I’ll disappear again, as if I’d never come back.
Zevran’s gaze was steady, his golden eyes locked onto hers, waiting for her response. This wasn’t a battle he could fight with blades or charm—this was something far more delicate, something that required him to be more vulnerable than he had been in years. And that terrified him, but for her, he was willing to take the risk.
@Maika Arainai
09-03-2024, 09:22 AM
