When the light faded, he was kneeling before her—armor cracked, helm gone, face scarred but whole. Mortal. Beautiful. Exhausted.

  Mavuika dropped to her knees too, hands shaking as she cupped his jaw.

  “You’re real,” she breathed.

  Capitano exhaled a ragged laugh. “Disconcerting… isn’t it?”

  She laughed through sudden tears. “You insufferable man.”

  Then she kissed him.

  No hesitation. No barrier. Just desperate, starving need.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  He froze for half a heartbeat—then surged forward, one hand tangling in her hair, the other gripping her waist like he feared she’d vanish if he let go.

  When they finally broke apart, gasping, foreheads pressed together, he whispered roughly:

  “I thought I’d never feel this again.”

  “Feel what?” she asked, voice soft.

  “Your heat,” he said. “Your heartbeat. You.”

  She smiled against his mouth. “Get used to it, Captain. You’re never getting rid of me now.”

  He pulled back just enough to look at her—really look—eyes tracing every line of her face as though memorizing her all over again.

  “I once believed immortality was the greatest curse,” he murmured. “I was wrong. Being without you… that was the curse.”

  She kissed him again—slower this time. Deeper. A promise.

  Around them, Natlan began to heal.

  But between them, something even older and fiercer had finally ignited—and it would burn forever.