Discoveries

The annoyance in Naomi’s heart dissipated the moment Daegal’s arms wound around her waist. He pulled her close till his face was nestled in the crook of her neck.

Slowly, she snaked her arms around his neck and let herself fall into his orbit. Daegal’s familiar scent—luxurious jasmine, aromatic sandalwood, and the sweetness of the moments after a heavy downpour—filled her nostrils, making her sigh and hold on to him tighter.

He smelled like home.

A short while later, they both disentangled from the hug and Daegal’s lips brushed against Naomi’s forehead.

“I just want you to be safe.” His voice was low but screamed the need to protect, protect, protect.

“Daegal…” Naomi trailed off, her eyes pleading, beseeching for him to let her assist… To allow her to do something meaningful for him and the continent at large.

His shoulders dropped as he released a heavy breath. How could he refuse when Naomi looked at him in such a manner that made his heart ache?

“Fine. If it means so much to you th