Nova Peak The rhythm of a beating, braver heart.

No soft declaration of fondness for her came and though she felt some stirring of sorrow in her abdomen, she did not wither. The lioness stood strong, a proud pillar, determination coursing her veins to not sway or falter beneath the gargoyle's gaze. No man had ever held any real control over her and she wasn't prepared to allow one to start believing they could - not even Mahler.

She cared for him. She always would, and although the reminder of this night would forever dampen her stirring of what she thought could be love, she was grateful for his honesty. Mahler had never once led her to believe they could ever be anything more than what they were, she realised with a watery smile. Nyx harboured no bitterness or resentment, and as long as they could maintain their respect for one another, she hoped they could continue to live peacefully.

"I try to," she answered, wondering when the time would come that she would finally be kind to herself, "this won't change anything between us?"