Adam kept one hand gently stroking the top of her head, fingers threading slowly through her crimson hair in soothing, repetitive motions. His touch was warm and careful, pouring quiet comfort through every stroke as if trying to chase away the lingering fear still trapped inside her.
Ignis only clung tighter in response, arms wrapping around his neck and back with desperate strength, her face buried deeper against his chest. Her small wings trembled as she pressed herself flush against him, golden tears still slipping down her cheeks.
Adam let out a soft, strained chuckle. "Hey… if you keep hugging me this tight, I might actually break, Ignis," he teased gently, voice low and warm against her ear.
Ignis froze for half a second, then a tiny, watery laugh escaped her lips. She pulled back just enough to look at him, golden eyes still glistening with tears but now carrying a spark of her usual fire.
