"Stay in the light with me," Alaric declared.
"Even if it's a light that burns?" Julian choked out.
"Then let it burn," Alaric whispered, his fingers tightening at the nape of Julian's neck, pulling him even closer until they were breathing as one. "I would rather be consumed with you than stand alone as a cold mountain. Do you feel the same way?"
Julian thought about it. Would he be able to willingly be consumed with Alaric? Yes. Yes, he would.
He nodded, slowly and painfully.
"That's good. Then from now on, just look at me."
Julian looked up, seeing the raw, unshielded devotion in Alaric's gaze. He saw the Duke—not as a legendary warrior, but as a man who was just as terrified of losing his heart as Julian was.
"I don't want to be a diamond trying to be coal anymore," Julian breathed, his voice finally steadying. "I want to be enough for you, Lucien. Just as I am. But I feel I'll only keep failing you with my little understanding."
