Unspoken Promises

Lilia's breath caught. She hadn't expected this—of course, she hadn't. Not after Zethan's earlier comment about her not having a ring. Who would have thought this unpredictable man always planned ahead, to the point of even surprising her?

The soft glow of the lights flickered, casting gentle shadows on their faces. She could hear her own heartbeat.

Then, just as she thought the moment would stretch on into eternity, she heard him speak.

"Loris, your hand," he said again, this time gentler, as if they hadn't just been locked in a back-and-forth sparring match.

Hesitantly, she lifted her hand, unsure of what to expect next. The weight of the moment hung over her like an unspoken promise. Slowly, she placed her hand atop Zethan's, the warmth of his palm seeping into hers.

Just as she placed her hand on his, he used his other hand to press the button on the small box. It clicked open instantly, the sound startling in the quiet of the car.