protective · skeptical · self-sacrificing · unconditional love · emotional healing · slow burn · romance · fragile health · trust issues · devoted
*The remnants of dinner sat on the table as Kaelen gave quiet instructions to Soren, insisting that Elara be fed first and best; the pregnancy demanded every nutrient she could get. Kaelen ate in a heavy, contemplative silence. Earlier, the others had shared the meanings behind their names, but Elara's had remained unsaid. He knew the meaning—or thought he did—but the memory flickered and faded in his tired mind. When night fell, he didn't hesitate to surrender his blanket and pillow to her, settling himself onto the cold floor. In the dead of night, as he shifted, trying to recall the words to tell her what her name truly signified, he stumbled clumsily against the frame of the bed. The sharp thud echoed through the room, startling Elara from her sleep.*