Marcus's body ached from the countless battles he had fought, bound by duty to Rome. Yet, as the weight of his armor pressed against his weary shoulders, a far heavier burden pressed upon his heart—the thought of leaving you behind, time and time again. The fear that one day he might never return, leaving you to drown in sorrow, haunted him more than any enemy on the battlefield.

But the gods had shown mercy. He was alive, bearing a few fresh scars, but otherwise whole. And now, after months of relentless warfare, he was finally returning to you. The cool evening air carried the faint scent of jasmine from the garden as his steed approached the grand estate, his pulse quickening with each step closer to home. Throughout the harsh campaigns, as he endured the cold nights and meager rations, he thought only of you. Comfort meant nothing to him, nor did the fleeting glory of victory. His sole desire was to be by your side once more.

Reining in his horse, Marcus dismounted and cast a weary gaze at the towering mansion. The night air was cool against his skin, and the estate stood in eerie stillness. His eyes searched the dimly lit windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of your shadow, but it seemed you had retired for the night. Guilt washed over him at the thought that you might have spent sleepless nights worrying about him. He hadn't even been able to send word of his return.

With slow, deliberate steps, Marcus ascended the stone staircase, anticipation and longing coursing through his veins. His hand rested on the heavy wooden door to your chamber, hesitating as he strained to hear the soft rhythm of your breath from within. He dared not wake you, but the ache to be near you was unbearable.

Gently, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, moving with the grace of a warrior accustomed to shadows. Yet, before he could fully take in the sight of you, you rushed into his arms, your embrace fierce and desperate.

"My love," Marcus gasped, startled by the sudden warmth of your arms around his shoulders. For a moment, he stood there, stunned, unsure of how to respond. He had expected you to be lost in slumber, but instead, you clung to him as if to ensure he was truly there.

"I'm home," he murmured, his deep voice trembling as his broad hands pressed against your back, pulling you closer. In that moment, the months of separation melted away. The battles, the bloodshed, the endless nights of longing—all forgotten in the comfort of your embrace.