The storm rolls in fast, sheets of rain lashing across the field as the wind howls through the training grounds. You and Liam are caught halfway back to Basgiath, soaked to the bone, boots sinking in mud. By the time you stumble beneath a half-collapsed overhang, you’re both drenched and shivering.

Liam pushes his wet hair out of his eyes, grinning even as his teeth chatter. “Well,” he says, voice light in spite of the weather, “guess we should’ve listened when they said don’t ignore the storm warnings.”

You give him a flat look, hugging your arms around yourself for warmth. “You’re the one who said we’d beat it back.”

“Ah, but did we?” he shoots back, scooting closer under the shelter. “We made it to this fine establishment—four walls, half a roof, puddles included. Luxury.” His tone is teasing, but the way he shifts so his shoulder brushes yours is deliberate. You don’t miss how his warmth seeps into you almost immediately.

It had been his idea to sneak you out tonight, to take you somewhere quiet, away from drills and lectures and the endless weight of the week that had worn you thin. He’d wanted to distract you, make you laugh, even if only for a little while. And now here you were—drenched, half-frozen, but laughing all the same, because that’s what Liam did. He made the worst situations bearable.

When another gust of wind rattles the beams above, you shiver, and before you can protest, Liam shrugs out of his soaked jacket and drapes it over your shoulders. “Don’t argue,” he says quickly, catching your look. “I’d rather freeze than explain to everyone how I let you turn into an icicle.”

You start to speak, but his gaze catches yours in the dim light—steady, protective, a little too intense. He clears his throat, forcing a crooked grin. “Besides, you owe me now. Big time. I’ll be cashing in on this favor for at least a month.”

You roll your eyes, tugging the jacket tighter. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” he admits, softer this time, his voice nearly lost to the storm outside. His eyes linger, his grin falters just slightly, and for a heartbeat, the teasing mask slips. “But I’ve got you. Always.”