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I swallow hard, a knot forming in my throat. Words fail me as he reaches for my hand, holding it in his.
“My actions are often cold and calculated. I see people as tools to serve my ambition sometimes. I don’t trust anyone anymore, but I wasn’t always like this. Being with you it showed me how broken I really am. My soul, my heart, even my mind. Last night, I realized that I trust you completely, unquestioningly.”
Sunder reaches to push a stray hair behind my ear before grabbing my chin.
“You’ve healed parts of me I didn’t even realize were broken. I feel whole when I’m with you because you hold my broken pieces together in your hands. I know I’ve hurt you, but I will work every single day of this life and every life after to make it up to you.”
Speechless, my heart pounding and melting simultaneously, I stare at him as his eyes bore into my soul. I let the words swirl into my heart. I smile slightly, holding back tears, and give his hand three quick squeezes before I finally respond.
“Your soul might be in pieces, but I’m broken in my own ways.”
Sunder smiles, shaking his head as if to disagree, “What if your broken pieces are the very things that make you who you are? What if your imperfections aren’t flaws, but the pieces of you that make you whole? No, I don’t think you’re broken. You’re perfectly you. And I wouldn’t change a thing, Mira.”
Stunned, I watch as Sunder leans towards me, running his fingers down my cheek. He leans in and kisses me lightly, his soft lips meeting mine. He pulls back abruptly, as if stopping himself.
“It’s getting late. If we don’t want to sleep outside tonight, we need to get moving,” he says with a sigh, glancing out the window.
Regrettably, Sunder stands and leaves, allowing me to prepare for the day.
In the washroom, I splash cold water on my face. Looking at my reflection, I consider his words. What if our imperfections really are the things that we should celebrate about each other? Maybe we are perfectly fragmented and don’t need to be fixed.
In the morning’s quiet light, I feel something shift inside me.
If Sunder, of all people, can see good in me and accept me for who I am, then I can, too.
Because Iamworthy of love.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Mira
The day on the road passes by quickly. Bobble is excited and runs ahead, then back again to rub against me. His tail flicks wildly side to side as he prances through the thick forest. I assume he’s happy that Sunder apologized.
Our conversation is light, and the long silences are comfortable. We make good progress and soon stop for lunch by a beautiful rushing river. The water moves fast, and I can see the fish and river stones when I peer into it. The cold water is refreshing as I splash it across my face and arms to cool off.
Sunder hands me some jerky apologetically. “The innkeeper made it just a few days ago. Maybe it’ll be better than the venison.”
As I bite into it, I grimace wordlessly. It’s dry and chewy, tasting faintly of mint and fennel. Who thought minty licorice and salted meat was a good idea? I eat quickly, trying to get it over with.
“That’s disgusting,” I say as I finish washing it down with fresh river water.
I notice Sunder staring at me with a slight smile.
“What?” I ask.
“I missed your complaining,” he says, giving me a warm smile. It’s still odd seeing that expression on his oh-so-broody face.
“I wasn’t complaining. I was stating facts,” I tell him indignantly.
We turn to each other, and I see him looking intently at my lips. I blush slightly and look away.
“Do you want to train for a bit?” he asks.
I glance at the sky, trying to seem like I’m judging the time, as if I have any idea how much longer until the next town. Instead, I’m thinking about Sunder’s naked body pressed against mine while Chroma courses through me, radiating out from his cock.
Something has happened since Sunder’s attitude shifted. I’m not sure if it’s magical in origin, or if it’s me, but I’m…
Well.
