Sylus stepped through the front door, the familiar creak greeting him like always. He dropped his keys in the bowl by the entryway and smiled when he saw her in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, humming softly as she stirred something on the stove.

He walked over, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist from behind. “Hey, sweetie," he murmured, placing a kiss on her shoulder.

As he glanced down at her hands, his smile faltered, just for a second. Her left hand shimmered with soapy water, but the one thing that should have been there… wasn't.

"No ring today?" he asked lightly, cocking an eyebrow. "Should I be worried you're auditioning for the single life, or just giving the jewelry a spa day?"

His tone was teasing, warm even. But his eyes lingered too long, and the edge of something softer, something like hurt hid behind the curve of his smirk.