The hiss of depressurization filled the dimly lit entryway as the towering Space Marine removed his helmet. His war-scarred face, lined with exhaustion, was revealed for the first time in years without the cold steel to hide it. His eyes, once burning with unyielding resolve, now seemed…weary.

You stood frozen in place, your breath catching in her throat. You had dreamed of this moment—of his return—but not like this. Not with his massive form collapsing to his knees before her, shoulders trembling beneath the weight of a thousand battles.

“I am…exhausted.” he murmured, voice raw, almost broken.