*Rhys*
The first light of dawn hadn't yet broken over the horizon, but tension already hung thick in the air. I glanced at Saoirse, her silhouette framed by the gathering armies of Egoren, their armor glinting faintly in the early daylight. Her eyes, fierce and determined, met mine.
I reached out and ran the back of my knuckles across her cheek, needing a moment of tenderness before war took over.
“I love you, Saoirse.”
“I love you, too, Rhys. But this is not your moment to say your goodbyes.”
“I will never say goodbye to you, my love.”
"We must go now," Saoirse whispered, her hand gripping the dragon staff with purpose. Its glow was bright in the predawn shadows, casting an ethereal light that danced across the armor of the men and women surrounding us.
"Agreed," I replied, my voice barely audible above the rustling of leaves and the soft clank of armor as our chosen band readied themselves.
