Page 430 of Axis of Fire

Without saying almost anything himself.

"I missed you."

Before I realized what was happening, he pulled me into his arms.

The warmth of his body...

His familiar scent...

Wrapped around me like a shelter I'd been searching for without knowing it.

Hadn't I been annoyed just a second ago?

"Tarven refused to bring me to you any sooner," he murmured into my hair.

I frowned slightly.

"Wait... Tarven can teleport anyone to Vuduarus whenever he wants? Even with the seal restrictions?"

"He's Vuduarus's representative."

That answered everything.

Silence settled around us again.

But this one was different.

Comfortable.

Like the first real breath after holding it for far too long.

I hadn't realized just how attached I'd become to him.

Still...

I was proud of myself.

Proud that, for once, I'd chosen courage instead of fear.

Pulling back just enough to meet his eyes, I said,

"Actually..."

"I was planning to confess after kissing you."

I frowned.

"You completely ruined my plan."

Airis didn't bother answering.

Instead, he closed the distance between us.

His lips found mine.

Softly.

As though he'd been waiting for permission all along.