They spent the morning swimming, talking, and wandering across small coves. The sunlight glowed on their skin, and each conversation seemed to take them a little deeper.
"What did you want to be when you were a kid?" she asked while they rested on a flat rock near the water.
Elijah chuckled."Honestly? A pilot."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I thought flying was freedom. Still kinda do."
She smiled softly."You look like someone who likes control more than freedom."
He raised a brow."You analyze me now?"
"Maybe."
"Alright then. What about you?"
Isabella hesitated, then shrugged."I wanted… peace."
Elijah's expression softened immediately."And do you have it?"
She looked at him—warm eyes, steady presence, the gentleness he kept only for her."I think I'm getting closer."
He reached for her hand again, thumb brushing her knuckles."Then we'll keep going until you have it completely."