as lovers go

Of course it wasn't worth it. Her heart twisted and she thought briefly of Sota who had insisted that he go in her place. Where was he now? Did he survive the blast from the volcano? He was smart. He'd be fine. She banished him from her thoughts, focusing more intently on the present situation: Oxide and his strong, stalwart presence. You'll never leave my sight again. "Okay," she replied simply. From now on they would be together always. "That is our Lethani," Eris added, "it is our path."

"How do I make you feel?" she asked in husky tones. In her head, Eris conjured the image of Oxide as he'd described himself: copper tones, pristine white, bright red eyes. His careful ministrations were like a balm on her broken soul. If he touched her like this long enough, Eris was sure that she could knit herself back together.