The kiss was filled with the built-up tension of the past weeks, a desperate clash of relief and desire.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as if the physical contact could shield us from the danger outside.

He held me tightly against his chest, his hands anchoring me in the darkness of the room.

For several minutes, the outside world ceased to exist.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, his breathing heavy.

“We fight them together,” I whispered, looking into his eyes.

“Together,” Dante agreed, his voice steady and filled with a quiet promise.

He kissed my forehead, and we sat together on the couch, watching the shadows stretch across the room until my eyes grew heavy.

I fell asleep with my head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped securely around me.

***

The gray light of dawn filtered through the edges of the curtains.

I woke up with a sudden, icy sensation in my chest.

The sofa beside me was empty.

Dante was standing by the window, his phone pressed tightly to his ear.