PROMISE

The night grew deeper, but neither Damien nor Elena seemed to notice the passing time. The warmth between them was enough to keep the cold at bay as they remained nestled together under the stars. After a while, Damien shifted slightly, tilting Elena’s face up to meet his gaze.

“Do you ever think about the future?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability in his tone was rare, and Elena’s heart softened even more.

“All the time,” she replied, her fingers brushing against his cheek. “But it’s always with you. No matter what happens, as long as we’re together, that’s enough for me.”

Damien smiled, though there was something deeper in his eyes,ba flicker of worry that hadn’t been there before. He leaned down and kissed her again, this time more passionately, as if trying to anchor himself in the present, to drown out whatever weighed on his mind.

Elena, sensing his hesitation, pulled back slightly, studying his face. “What’s bothering you?” she asked softly.