“She was hungry. She was... doing something. Learning something.
...
I put a hand on my chest, leaning against the wood panels of the stair wall. Rhys's hand covered my own a heartbeat later.

'That's what I felt,' he said, 'when I saw you smile that night we dined along the Sidra.'

I leaned forward, resting my brow against his chest, right over his heart. 'She still has a long way to go.'

'We all do.'

He stroked a hand over my back. I leaned into the touch, savouring his warmth and strength.”