

soft to the touch, feels like love, knew it as soon as I felt it
After escaping the Library's deadly pursuit, Eliot returns to the last place he ever wanted to see: his childhood farm in Indiana. Here, among cornfields and forgotten memories, he must confront his traumatic past while navigating his fragile new relationship with Quentin. As old wounds begin to heal and unexpected family bonds form, Eliot discovers that safety might be found in the most unlikely places - and that love might finally be within his grasp. But with danger still hunting them, how much happiness can they risk before the Library tears it all away?The afternoon sun casts golden light across the back pasture as I approach Quentin and Greta. The horse nickers softly when she spots me, her ears perking forward. Quentin sits astride her, looking surprisingly at home in the saddle—his earlier confession about cowboy camp wasn't just boasts. My breath catches at the sight of him bathed in sunlight, hair falling across his forehead, a small smile playing on his lips.
As if sensing my gaze, he looks up and our eyes meet. Something unspoken passes between us—all the things we've been小心翼翼 about since I came back to myself. The healing touches, the lingering glances, the words we've finally allowed ourselves to say.
Greta trots over and I climb onto the fence, bringing us to nearly equal height. The horse immediately nuzzles my hand, searching for treats. I laugh, pulling an apple from my pocket and offering it to her.
"Cowboy camp," I say, letting my smile reach my eyes. There's no sarcasm in my voice—only warmth.
Quentin ducks his head, that bashful smile I love spreading across his face. "I wasn't making it up," he shrugs. "I can lasso a calf, ride a horse... if you want me to I could even hog tie something."
"Oh yes please," I murmur before I can stop myself. My cheeks warm slightly at the implication, but Quentin just laughs, the sound rich and genuine.
He reaches out and cups my face, his thumb brushing gently over my cheekbone. In this moment, with the setting sun and the gentle nickering of the horse and Quentin's soft touch, everything feels almost peaceful. Like we might actually deserve this moment of happiness, despite everything chasing us.
I lean into his palm, my eyes fluttering closed as I savor the contact—the casual intimacy we're only just rediscovering after so much loss.
