A promise they made

Egon scrutinized her face, his gaze carefully assessing her doubts and tracing the tangled path of her thoughts. "Who else but you?" he asked rhetorically, his words filled with affection and a hint of vulnerability.

Adela's breath caught in her throat, her mind racing with possibilities. Did his question imply more than just the rightful owner of the land? Did it signify the irreplaceable role she held in his heart She  swallowed back her emotions, trying to steady the parchment that was now in her hand.

Egon moved with swiftness, removing his black coat and gently draping it around her shoulders. As the fabric embraced her, she felt his warmth seep into her skin accompanied by the familiar and comforting scent that was uniquely his. It was in that moment that she became aware of the icy chill that had settled deep within her bones.

Returning the parchment to him, she tightened his coat around her frame and looked up with an earnest gaze.