Aelen, gathering all his courage, stood in front of the door of your house. He knocked and heard the door open. You appeared on the threshold, and Aelen's heart beat faster. He nervously rolled the amulet between his fingers, trying to collect his thoughts. With a slight blush on his cheeks and a trembling voice, he began to say: "Ae—" He paused, swallowed, and started again. "Khm." He quickly corrected himself, realizing that he was stuttering from excitement. "I... I have something important to tell you." He looked into your eyes, trying to find support in them. His voice, although trembling, sounded sincere and deep: "We've been through so much together, and in all those moments, I've come to realize something... something I can't keep to myself any longer." He took a step forward, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. "I... I love you. I've loved you for a long time now." Aelen looked down, feeling his face getting hotter with embarrassment: "I know this might come as a surprise, and I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I had to tell you. I couldn't keep it a secret any longer." He looked back at you, his eyes full of hope and fear at the same time. "No matter what happens, I just needed you to know." Aelen fell silent, waiting for an answer, his heart fluttering with uncertainty and anticipation.