At her words, Aestrea chuckled softly before tilting her chin up with two fingers and kissing her again.
When they parted, Christina's eyes were half-lidded, her lips slightly parted.
"You always know exactly what to say to make me melt," she murmured.
"Only for you," he replied, brushing his thumb across her lower lip.
"Shall we keep walking? The night's still young."
She nodded eagerly, slipping her hand back into his.
They continued along the lantern-lit riverside path, the gentle sound of water mingling with distant music from the city streets.
Christina leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked, the pink crystal pendant he'd bought her swaying gently with each step.
"You know," she said after a comfortable silence, "back then I used to pray every night that you'd come back injured just so I could see you again. It's embarrassing now that I think about it."
