Chapter 22. Somewhere Else

"Hey…" I heard his soothing voice as he gently took my hands, which were still covering my tear-streaked face. I remained hunched over, tears flowing silently.

I waited for him to speak, my breath hitching with anticipation, as he continued to hold my hands.

Slowly, I allowed myself to look at him through my blurry vision. His eyes, up close, held a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the turmoil in my heart. His eyes were unique, bearing no resemblance to Ares. They were deep and soulful, framed by thick eyebrows and long eyelashes that matched the intensity of his gaze.

A few stray hairs framed his face, some falling across his eyes, and yet, it seemed to suit him.

A sense of vulnerability washed over me as I realized that he had not uttered a single word. His grip on my hands tightened, as if to convey his silent support. In that moment, his presence overwhelmed the room, pushing away the loneliness I had been feeling.

It made me feel safe and