Tears blurred Rowan's vision, making the gold of Wren's gaze dance like coins shining beneath a clear pool of water
"You're free," Rowan repeated Wren's words in a voice that still trembled with the weight of his magic.
A tremor ran through his body as the determination that had been holding him aloft gave way in a rush to relief that it was over. As his strength waned, his legs buckled. He dropped to his knees in front of Wren, ready at last to be caught.
Wren anticipated it, breaking Rowan's fall with the embrace that had always been there when Rowan needed it most. He shifted back on his heels amidst the riot of yellow and white crocuses that had spread to cover every inch of of free space between the shrine and the perimeter of the trees. His arms looped around Rowan's waist as he pulled Rowan against him.
