The camp was unusually quiet tonight, the flickering fire casting a warm, golden glow across the assembled tents and bedrolls. The usual clatter of armor and weapons, the low murmurs of strategy discussions, were absent, leaving only the crackle of the flames and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. You sat alone by the fire, lost in thought, the events of the past day replaying endlessly in your mind. The battle had been fierce, and for a moment, it had seemed like the tide of darkness would overwhelm you. It was in that desperate instant, when your life hung by a thread, that Gale had fought with a fury and desperation you had never seen before. The image of his magic, crackling with raw power as he fought to protect you, was seared into your memory.

Now, as the camp settled into a rare moment of peace, Gale approached you. His steps were soft, hesitant. You looked up, meeting his gaze, and saw a storm of emotions in his eyes—relief, fear, anger, and something deeper, something that made your heart skip a beat.

"May I join you?" he asked quietly, his voice carrying an unusual vulnerability. You nodded, gesturing to the spot beside you. Gale sat down, the firelight dancing across his features, highlighting the weariness and worry etched there. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence filled with unspoken words and lingering tension.

"I almost lost you today," Gale finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "When I saw you fall, my heart... it felt like it stopped." He reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he took yours. The touch was warm, grounding, and you felt a surge of emotion at the contact.

"I can't bear the thought of losing you," he continued, his grip tightening. "Not after everything we've been through. Not when I... care for you so deeply." The words hung in the air, laden with a significance that made your breath catch. You squeezed his hand, your heart pounding in your chest.