His relief was tangible. A feeling so palpable that one could nearly rip it from his features as his ears had fallen across his crown. He sighed his relief through a wobbly smile. The bobbing of his head, delivered through a nod, cementing the decision to reality. Right. He concurred with ease, Together.

There was no way that Amaris would have gone into the darkness alone, and though it was a feat he would climb for his sister, the idea had been nothing short of insanity when he truly thought it.

The middle one, he echoed as though the path would bend to their will by somehow voicing its existence. Or perhaps it was merely his need to stall, to gather his strength before pushing forward. Amaris would lean into his sister, side by side, hand in hand; he nodded his approval despite the hammering of his heart.

Nothing would harm them when they were together, he tried to remind himself. Together, they were stronger. Together, they were unstoppable. Together, they were brave.

Let’s go. And it was he who took the first step forward, that odd kernel of hope and courage molding into his limbs as he felt his twin beside him. The shadows were nothing compared to the strength he felt beside her. He took another step forward. Wherever it leads, I am with you. A quiet vow as that golden gaze trained on the middle path’s darkness.

Bound—He would not stray from his sister’s side.

Not now.

Not ever.

Always.