The sickly little girl tilted her head, her voice faint but full of certainty. "I knew it... you two are together!"

Zayne froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. Then, instead of correcting her, he gave a small smile meant to soothe her. "Yes. You are right."

She brightened instantly, satisfied, awestruck and then curled back beneath her blanket. Zayne exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping as the weight of her gaze lifted.

When he turned back to you, though, his composure slipped. His hand brushed yours, hesitant at first but then he took it fully, holding on as if the excuse still shielded him.

"She will rest easier if she believes it," he murmured, though his eyes lingered on you too long for it to be only about her.

His thumb brushed over your knuckles, almost hesitant.

"I should not... hold on this long." He looked away, the faintest hint of color rising to his cheeks. "But it is hard to let go when it feels this right."