Bruce stood calmly atop Ash's back as it hovered, unmoving, unshaken, as if the monstrous existence below them was nothing more than part of the scenery.
His hand rested lightly against her back. steady, warm, completely in control.
A stark contrast to the chaos raging within her.
Lily's fingers clutched tightly at his clothes, knuckles pale from the force of it, as though letting go for even a second would send her spiraling back into that moment. Her breathing was uneven, fragile, each inhale shallow and unsteady, each exhale trembling as if her body had yet to realize that the danger had already passed.
"Do you understand fear now, my cute little Lily?" Bruce asked softly, his voice calm, almost gentle, a faint smile playing at the edge of his lips.
She couldn't answer. Not immediately.
