The night was unusually gentle. After everything — the fights, the blood, the truth — there was finally a mont of stillness. It felt foreign, almost stolen. But Cain didn't waste it.
He had watched Selene all day. In between the chaos, her fierce presence had anchored him like it always did. Now, with the others tending to their mother and preparing for the next wave, Cain slipped his hand into hers.
"Co with ," he whispered.
Selene didn't ask where. She didn't need to.
They climbed to the highest part of the cathedral. The roof was old, cracked, but it held them. From up here, the city looked like a painting — broken, burning in places, but still breathtaking.
Cain took off his cloak and laid it down. Selene sat first, legs tucked under her, wind brushing her hair back like fingers. Cain watched her.
"You okay?" she asked, softly.
He exhaled. "I am now."
She looked at him. "You an it?"
Cain didn't speak at first. He just leaned in, forehead touching hers, their eyes closed as if they could feel each other better that way.
"I've never ant anything more," he said. "You make the war fade. You make everything feel... quiet."
Selene smiled, brushing his jaw with her thumb. "You don't have to be strong with , Cain."
"I know," he said. "That's why I don't break."
Lucien tucked a damp cloth over their mother's forehead as Ayden fluffed a pillow like he wasn't a whole demon of destruction. The cathedral's infirmary slled like old herbs and lavender — sohow peaceful amid the dust.
"She's breathing steadier," Ayden said, wiping his hands.
Lucien nodded. "She'll be fine. She's stronger than she looks. Like soone else I know."
He glanced sideways — at Eira.
She was sitting on the edge of a bench, arms crossed, watching the doorway Cain had disappeared through. There was tension in her face, tight in her jaw.
"You keep doing that and you'll crack a tooth," Lucien teased.
Eira shot him a look. "You're not funny."
"I am, actually," Lucien said. "Just not when you're pouting."
"I'm not pouting."
"You're jealous."
Eira bristled. "I'm not— I an— It's just... hard. Seeing him like that. So at peace. With soone else."
Lucien tilted his head. "You had your shot."
She swallowed. "I know."
Lucien leaned back, casual. "Doesn't an you can't find sothing else worth staying for."
Eira looked at him, frowning. "And what, you're offering?"
"Maybe," he said, a small smirk forming. "If you play nice."
Cain and Selene lay side by side now, fingers entwined. He turned toward her, the light of the moon catching in her eyes.
"I used to think I was dood to be alone," he said, voice low. "Power like mine... history like mine... it makes people afraid."
Selene leaned up on her elbow, eyes locked on his. "I wasn't afraid."
"I noticed," he smiled.
She grinned back. "I practically threatened you into trusting ."
"And I fell for you anyway."
Cain reached up, cupping her cheek, thumb grazing her lip. "Selene, I don't care what happens tomorrow. I don't care what war cos next. As long as I have this—"
He kissed her. Slow. Sure.
Their bodies moved closer, her hand pressed to his chest where his heart was racing, not from fear but from wanting. From knowing.
"You have ," she whispered against his lips.
"Forever," he replied.
Lucien walked past Eira again, this ti offering her a sweet from his coat pocket.
She raised an eyebrow. "You carry candy now?"
"For emotional ergencies. You seem... snack-needy."
She snorted. "You're such a pain."
Lucien leaned in slightly. "But I make you laugh."
She tried not to smile.
"You could hate less," he added, tossing a wink.
Eira rolled her eyes but took the sweet anyway. "I don't hate you."
"Progress!" he bead, spinning like a dork across the hallway.
Ayden passed him with a raised eyebrow. "What are you, twelve?"
Lucien grinned. "Emotionally? Probably."
Cain and Selene eventually made their way back down as dawn crept in like a whisper. She looked radiant, cheeks flushed, eyes soft. Cain's lips were a little swollen from their rooftop truths.
Ayden noticed. "Well, soone got a good night's rest."
Cain just smirked. "Jealous?"
"Please," Ayden scoffed. "Romance is exhausting."
Lucien chid in. "You'd die without attention."
Selene bumped Cain playfully. "You're glowing."
"Must be the Selene effect."
Eira looked away but not as bitterly. Lucien noticed. And winked.
Cain and Selene finally find peace in each other's arms, their bond sealed with words of assurance and gentle touches. Eira begins to accept her past while noticing new light in Lucien. The storm hasn't passed, but love — and a little laughter — are breaking through the cracks.
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