Everlasting worries

Having said that, it's different if they were much more special than me, myself. It was unconditionally necessary for him to make sure that he was the absolute right person—especially by gender. Raven listened attentively to Seraphina, his intense gaze never leaving her face. The rhythmic motion of the carriage and the gentle clop of the horse's hooves seemed to fade into the background as he focused solely on her.

"You're family to me. How can I argue about our unreserved friendship?" she said softly, her eyes reflecting sincerity.

Her voice, though quiet, was filled with an earnestness that touched him deeply.

"That's right," Raven replied, his heart warming at her words.

He immediately hid the smile that was creeping onto his mouth. In other words, she had just declared that she had no other special relationship apart from what she had with him.