The warmth of his lips graced her forehead. For a moment Malou wanted to sink into the moment. To let the rest of the world melt away from them, to become untethered from the fears and memories that now plagued her. Her eyes fluttered shut, relishing his nearness.

Faustus's voice was gentle, teasing, deep and kind. Malou opened her eyes and looked at him. "Flatterer." She accused, but still a smile played at her lips. Gently she squeezed his hand, their gloves keeping her from feeling his reassuring warmth beneath her palm.

"Yes. Although perhaps I am fancying it, but it does feel as if perhaps it is getting a bit colder." She rarely felt it was too cold, but in the matter of minutes since they had begun the walk it had felt increasingly cold. As if the temperature was dropping more rapidly then was typical.