There is a lightness in him, an ease that was never present before, and Haleth is much pleased by it. There used to by a slight edge of desperation in the way he would hold her, as though she were a bulwark against the Dark. But now there is no need for protection, no silent edge to their enjoyment of each other.

Her breath is warm in his ear, a silent chuckle followed by a sharp intake of breath as his fingers dance along her lower back, which is always sensitive to touch. She nibbles delicately at his earlobe in response.