Elsewhere, away from the deep in the wild—beneath the midnight oak moon in the night sky—tiny specks of frosty snow saturate the air.
Rhett finally slows the motorbike, the engine sighing into silence.
Neva's alluring hair flows with the rhythm of the breeze.
Now safely beyond Raka's reach, Rhett breathes steadily at last, a sense of solace wrapping around him.
The cold winter air numbs his muscles, yet a smile lingers on his lips from the warmth Neva brings—adhered closely to his frame.
On this silent night, at the end of the year's course, Neva watches the feathery flutter of snowflakes.
Her head rests on Rhett's back, and her thoughts swirl quietly toward the future ahead.
And though uncertainty looms, her heart beats serene.
For she has already become sole with the soul of her beloved—riding the current of life hand in hand with him.
The ivory-coated pines and twinkling Christmas lights on the streets dazzle in the darkness as they break away—far from where their cozy home should be.
With her head hushed and clear, she thinks she could leave everything behind.
Bare and unburdened, as long as Rhett walks by her side.
The road begins to fade, time rushing past them.
Rhett pulls up at the outskirts of a quiet town. Neva reluctantly peels herself away from his warmth.
Dismounting, she removes the helmet and hands it to him, her eyes catching the reflection of a cozy vintage inn nearby.
"You must be cold," Rhett says gently, taking both her hands in his, rubbing warmth into them before kissing her knuckles.
"We're staying the night here?" Neva tilts her head, her gaze drifting back to the inn.
"Just for tonight." He smiles.
She reaches up, coaxing him to bow slightly so she can brush away the snow clinging to his mist-dusted hair.
Rhett's heart softens at her touch, his tender eyes meeting hers. "Let's warm you up inside," he murmurs, brushing snowflakes from her hair too.
Neva smiles sweetly, nodding in response. Mirroring her smile, he presses a kiss to her forehead. Fingers entwined, he leads her to the inn's entrance.
As they walk in, the soft ting of bells overhead chimes through the quiet space. The manager greets them with a kind smile.
Neva exhales a smoky breath, the warmth of the interior immediately sinking into her. Rhett converses briefly with the manager and secures a key.
"Let's go," he says, taking her hand again as they make their way down a dimly lit hallway. They pass several closed doors until they reach theirs at the very end. Rhett unlocks it and pushes it open.
Neva steps inside first, her eyes lighting up at the sight.
A warm bed rests at the center, dressed in white Victorian ruffle sheets and plush blankets.
The room's countrycore charm—worn wood, lace curtains, golden lamps—cradles them in warmth.
She shrugs off her damp jacket and hangs it on the wooden stand by the entrance. As she strolls toward the bed, Rhett follows—then suddenly halts her by the wrist, pulling her into his arms.
A faint gasp escapes Neva, but she finds herself thawing as he wraps his arms around her waist, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"I shouldn't have left you. It's all my fault," he murmurs, voice muffled against her skin.
Neva smiles faintly, feeling his frantic heartbeat thudding through her back. She leans into him and gently strokes his arms.
"It's not your fault, Rhett," she whispers.
"I'm so sorry." He inhales her sweet scent, holding her tighter, afraid she might vanish.
"Don't be. I'm safe here—with you," she assures softly.
He hums deeply, the vibration warming her skin.
"You're rigid from the cold." Neva turns, cupping his frozen cheeks.
"You're not to blame for anything.
And thank you—for being here." She presses a kiss to his cold nose, a soft laugh escaping her as he scrunches his nose.
"Go take a warm bath, hmm?" she urges, worried about the pale tint on his face.
"Let's bathe together," he says suddenly.
Her eyes widen. "Absolutely not!"
He frowns, wounded. "Why not?"
"Because we're not married yet!" she blurts—then immediately regrets it, her face scrunching.
"Then let's get married tomorrow," he declares, eyes alight with certainty.
He means it—with his soul, his bones, his everything.
Neva clutches his hands tightly.
"Rhett, nothing can harm us." Her honeyed eyes find his, grounding him. She pulls him into her arms again, resting her head against his chest and rubbing his back soothingly.
"You're my beloved." He says.
"You're all mine, Neva," he says again, arms enveloping her.
Neva holds him quietly, wishing that all the horrors behind them were nothing but a distant dream.
"Angel, you go first," he murmurs sadly.
Neva pulls back, chuckling at his pitiful pout.
"I'm cold—but you're frozen." She rubs his nose with hers playfully.
Then she takes his hand and leads him to the bathroom door.
"Alright, alright—I'll be done soon." He steals one more kiss from her pink lips before slipping inside.
Neva giggles softly, her worries drifting away—even if only for a little while.