""I hate, no, I absolutely loathe Grak," she spat the name like a curse. "But according to tribal laws, I can't do anything. He is a hunter. He brings meat. He has the right to claim whatever woman he wants in the tribe if her father agrees. But..."
She lifted her head, her silver eyes locking onto Sol's with a fierce, unwavering intensity that burned through the shadows.
"...since you suddenly showed up that night and shouted him to go away, and then claimed me fully... I was happy. Really happy. And even though it hurt a bit... it was also very enjoyable."
"I loved it," she whispered, a tear tracking through the dust on her cheek. "Please... don't apologize for saving me."
Sol let out a long breath he didn't know he was holding. The tension left his body, replaced by a profound sense of relief and connection. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, kissing the top of her head.
He hadn't broken her. He had forged her.
