After her brother departed, Elene lingered for a few moments before reaching out to touch Forrest's face. She brushed her fingers over his cheek, her touch as light as a snowflake upon his skin. He stirred, enjoying her caress, but his eyes snapped open the next moment with the ingrained instinct of a warrior always expecting danger. In a swift motion, he caught her wrist, his eyes wide with shock and filled with the fear of harming her.
"It's fine, it's fine," Elene whispered softly, her voice carrying the warmth of reassurance. "Your eitr can't harm me, remember? We can touch as much as we like. See?"
"Elene—" Forrest's eyes searched hers for any hint of hesitation, any shadow of doubt. Finding none, he released her wrist and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his large arms around her
