Elowen was gently lowered onto the terrace of her room, the night air cool against her skin.
"Can you stand?" Arthur asked, his voice calm as his arms held her steady.
She gave a soft nod and, while still clutching his shoulders for support, carefully lowered her legs to the ground.
Arthur didn't let go until she found her balance.
But even then—she didn't release him.
Her fingers lingered on his cloak, her touch faint but firm. Because she knew… the moment she let go, he would disappear.
His mask. The way he avoided the court. The silence. It was all proof—he didn't care for recognition or rewards. His mission was to protect her. Nothing more. Now that he had, he would leave. Vanish like a shadow.
"Can you let go of—"
"Can you answer me something?" she cut in, her voice quiet but steady, stopping him before he could finish.
Arthur let out a slow sigh, his gaze falling to the palace below.
