Chapter 201. Only With You

As soon as Gavriel finished speaking with Zander and settling the remaining matters, he didn’t waste another second. He headed straight for the cottage where Althea was resting.

Night had already settled over the land, and warm light spilled softly from the windows.

When he stepped inside, he found Melva arranging dinner on the table where Althea sat waiting.

The moment Althea saw him, her face brightened. “You’re back. Come, let’s eat dinner together!” Her voice carried a kind of warmth that instantly pulled him in. Seeing her smiling like that — bright, enthusiastic, full of energy — eased every tension he carried.

Melva bowed politely and slipped out, leaving the two of them alone.

Althea rose from her chair and walked toward him. Gavriel didn’t hesitate. He reached for her, pulling her against his chest, wrapping her tightly in his arms. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling her familiar, soothing scent.

“It was a rough day, wasn’t it?”