Brendan's gaze turned deep and serene, his voice carrying the same emotions as always.

"Hmm," he replied, turning his head slightly. "It's good that you know."

How could Deirdre not know? She knew all too well, which made her even more grateful to Brendan for keeping her grounded and preventing any illusions from taking hold.

Once back home, she immersed herself in a soothing bath, letting go of all her exhaustion.

In the following days, they led a calm life, barely exchanging more than a no