Chapter 105: Echoes from the Rift
The hallways of the Reyes estate felt emptier than ever as Cassian made his way to their quarters. As he entered, he found Valeria standing by the window, her back to him. The light cast her in shades of orange and gold, but her posture betrayed her unease.
She didn't turn to face him, but he knew she could feel his presence. "Cassian," she said softly, her voice breaking the silence. "You're really going, aren't you?"
He took a deep breath, stepping further into the room. "I have to. There's been another attack at the 4th Outpost. I'm leading a reconnaissance mission to assess the situation and make sure we're prepared for what's to come."
Valeria turned slowly, her eyes searching his face. "Why not send a team instead of going yourself? "
Cassian's heart tightened. The fear in her voice was the one thing he had never wanted to hear. But there was no easy comfort he could offer her.
Valeria's lips tightened, her expression betraying the storm of emotions behind her composed demeanor. "Every time you leave, I try to convince myself you'll return, but Cassian, what if this time..." she trailed off, her voice breaking. "I can't lose you."
Cassian stepped closer, taking her trembling hands firmly in his own. "Val, honestly, you're such a crybaby sometimes, I'm starting to think you enjoy making me feel guilty before I leave."
Valeria let out a shaky laugh, her free hand darting out to lightly punch his arm. "And you're such an ass for saying that," she shot back, though her eyes sparkled with a mix of irritation and affection.
She leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his lips in a lingering kiss, her voice quiet yet firm. "Just... promise me you'll choose caution when you can."