His hands drew from her face to fully embrace her, eyes drawn tight as he heard the words he needed so desperately for her to say.

"I already have."

Zem drew Lok close, a shelter from storms real and imagined, a bedrock and firmament no wave could diminish. Each had been weak when the other was strong. Each had been lifted up. This was the most basic, perfect good they aligned themselves to. No higher ambition. No greater calling.

"I already have."