Values

Lyric stirred at the sudden warmth that surged through her hands, her eyelids fluttering as her gaze focused on Tiberius’s face above her. Relief washed over her, but it quickly mixed with a familiar exasperation as she took in his expression—equal parts furious and frantic.

Tibs! You came, she whispered, managing a weak smile, though she knew he was not in the mood to indulge her.

She felt the mana hum through his blood, a buzzing energy that made her fingertips tingle and chased away the fog in her mind. She clutched his hands, drawing the power from him as he’d instructed, feeling her wounds begin to mend, the pain ebbing just slightly with each heartbeat.

As her strength returned, she squeezed his hand a bit tighter, pushing herself to sit up. Don’t be mad, she started, but her voice faltered when she saw the tight set of his jaw, the fiery glint in his eyes. He looked like he’d weathered a storm to get here.

I know what you’re thinking, but they needed help, Tibs. She glanced around at the huddled figures in the dark, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. I couldn’t just…leave them there. And hey, she added with a small, forced laugh, I survived, didn’t I?

Her eyes met his, a silent plea beneath the humor. She could see his anger crack, just barely, replaced by that fierce loyalty she’d come to rely on.

I’m really glad you’re here, she whispered, her voice softer, as she rested her head back against the stone, feeling his warmth and strength anchoring her in the cold night air.

@Tiberius Umbra