After a reunion thatsted barely two weeks, Elvis had to return to his organization.


    On hisst night, they made love tirelessly, losing themselves in each other''s passionate kisses and a rhythm that was all their own.


    "Ellie, three months... just give me three months," Elvis pleaded after their passion subsided. He held the woman he loved tightly in his arms, their bodies nestled together against the headboard. Though exhausted, neither wanted to sleep. "Once I finish my current assignments, I''m submitting my resignation. I''ll stay by your side forever. Wherever you want to go, we''ll go. If you want to y, I''ll y with you for a lifetime. If you want to be wild, I''ll be wild with you."


    He wasn''t a man of eloquent words; he spoke from the heart. All he wanted was to be with her. It didn''t matter what they did, as long as they were together.


    "Actually, I want you to keep working for the organization," Elsie murmured, rubbing her head against his chest. A faint smile hid the flicker of regret in her eyes. "I know how fulfilled and happy your work makes you. You''ve found your purpose, your mission, and I think that''s one of the most important things in life." She paused. "I never knew what it felt like to have a purpose until I met Evadne. She helped me find mine."


    "Ellie, what is your purpose?" Elvis asked, lowering his head to press a warm kiss on her forehead.


    "To live in the light," she whispered, closing her eyes as a single tear escaped.


    A sharp pang of sorrow shot through Elvis. He held her tighter, hisrge hand stroking her shoulder, unable to find any words. His own work often required him to live in the shadows, walking a tightrope. But he fought for justice, guided by a firm belief, which was why he loved his job and was willing to give his all for it. Yet the woman he loved had been struggling in a dark hell. Her few words painted a vivid picture of the suffering she had endured, and he felt her pain as if it were his


    own.


    Some things, once they happen, can never be undone. Healing might take a lifetime. But he had endless patience and endless love. He would be there for her, willing to do anything to see her happy.


    "Elvis, you have to leave at dawn. Get some sleep," Elsie said, sounding like a mother hen as she tucked the downforter around him, covering his taut, handsome abs.


    "Most women would be begging their husbands not to go. You''re practically pushing me out the door," Elvis grumbled, his tone sour.


    Elsie smiled softly. "What''s this? Are you jealous?"


    "I just don''t want to leave you." He suddenly leaned over her, his lips finding hers in a lingering kiss.


    intertwined their fingers, palm t


    palm.''ll call the organization and take a day off. I''ll leave tomorrow: When the sunes up, after we''ve had breakfast, I want you to get dressed up ande with me."


    Elsie looked up at him, bewildered. "Where are we going?"


    A smile touched Elvis''s lips as he spoke each word with deliberate weight. "To get our marriage license."


    Her eyes widened in shock. Her heart pounded, and her breath caught in her throat.


    "Evadne and Cassius are busy with Thaddeus''s situation right now, so they probably can''t make it," Elvis said, his eyes burning with an impatient, fiery excitement. "But I don''t care about any of that anymore. I want to marry you, right now."


    "There''s no rush. We can go when you get back, after you''ve told your father." Elsie gently caressed his face, her eyes filled with a soft,


    warm light that made his heal


    "It''s not like someone is going to


    steal me away. I''m yours. I always be yours."


    Elvis knew he was being impulsive, and Elsie was not a reckless person. On the contrary, she was more considerate and mindful of etiquette than many high-societydies. Her dese for him to inform Emeric was a sign of respect. But an unshakeable sense of urease settled in his chest, a heavy feeling he couldn''t quite ce.


    "If you''re not going to sleep, then I will," Elsie said, feigning sleepiness as she shifted slightly. Her mind was racing, and she knew she wouldn''t be able to rest. Besides, in two hours, she needed to be up to make breakfast for him.