Chapter 41 Fourty

• Unbeknownst to Avelyn, Draeven had been walking silently behind her for some time. The moment he saw her, his mood lifted, his usual seriousness replaced by an uncharacteristic lightness. He had wanted to surprise her-slip behind her quietly and see the look on her face when she turned around. But when he heard her mutter those words in his defense, he stopped in his tracks, his breath catching.
• Avelyn's quiet outrage on his behalf sent an unexpected warmth flooding through him. His heart swelled. He had always known his council didn't favor him, but it had never truly bothered him-he had learned to live with it. But hearing Avelyn, of all people, defend him so fiercely when she thought no one was listening lifted a burden he hadn't realized he was still carrying.
• His eyes softened as he gazed at her, her focus entirely on the retreating council members. Draeven couldn't resist any longer. With a gentle, yet sudden movement, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace from behind.