Journey back

Akashi wanted to reach out, to hold Selene close and reassure her, but he held back. Years had passed since he'd last seen her—years that hadn't been kind. He could see it in the hollowness of her eyes, the tremor in her fingers as she bundled herself tighter in the corner of the carriage. He would wait for her memories to return before burdening her with the weight of old bonds. He didn't want to overwhelm her, no matter how much it hurt to keep his distance.

He glanced back at her, the reins held firmly in his grip. "Are you feeling better, Selene?" His voice was soft, but it carried the strength of a command. Control came naturally to Akashi.