The city hums with life beyond the walls of their sanctuary, but Raven and Ryle choose not to hear it. Here, in the soft glow of candlelight, beneath sheets tangled from stolen embraces, they find refuge. Nothing else matters - not the pressing weight of the world nor the inevitable chaos waiting beyond the threshold.

Ryle traces lazy patterns along Raven's bare shoulder, his fingertips featherlight as though he's afraid she might vanish if he presses too hard. She shivers, not from cold but from the intensity of his touch.

"You okay?" His voice is barely above a whisper, his lips grazing her temple.

Raven turns to face him, her gaze locking onto his. "When I'm with you? I think I finally understand what forever means."

A slow smile tugs at Ryle's lips, and without a word, he pulls her closer until there is no space left between them. His heartbeat thumps against her own, steady, reassuring.

"Forever is a long time, Raven," he murmurs, his thumb brushing over her lower lip. "Are you sure you want that with me?"

She presses a kiss to his thumb, letting her lips linger. "There's no one else I'd rather waste my eternity with."

They fall into an easy silence, limbs tangled, breaths syncing like a melody only they know. The world ceases to exist outside this room, their own private universe built on whispered promises and quiet devotion.

Outside, the rain begins to fall - soft at first, then insistent, drumming against the windowpane like an impatient reminder of reality.

But neither of them moves. Here, time is irrelevant. Here, love is the only truth that matters.