His arms wrapped around her, warm and sheltering, a harbor - her harbor. "Oh, Evander." She could find no other words as her arms wrapped around him, clinging to him. The tears she had managed to hold back began to well, she felt one trickle down her cheek and then another.

It had been horrible for her. But it had been a different type of horror that Evander faced, one she had faced with Nimiane and Hope. But it was different too than even that. Those had been the ties of sisterly love, bonds build from friendship. Evander's worry was something she hoped she would never experience.

She could feel the depth of his emotions - her stoic fiance - as he held her close to him. He had thrown all thoughts of what others would think away in his fear and relief for her - if that didn't say something than Caroline wasn't sure what would. No, he loved her, just as she loved him. There was no room for doubts anymore, he had sustained her soul on those waves, but the press of his arms was enough to make her realize that she didn't care if she were chained to parlor for the rest of her life, only that he would be there waiting for her.

"Don't." The word was soft, gentle, murmured against his ear. Whether to reassure herself or himself, she wasn't sure. "I'm here. You're here. That is all that matters." She pressed her arms tighter around her, hiding her face against him. She never wanted to leave his side again. It was a startling thought, but a realization that settled with calm certainty into her very being. This was the life she chose. A life with Evander by her side.