Markus studies his reflection, steadying himself with a long, controlled breath before opening the pill bottle. He swallows one, then makes his way to the living room.

  Liddle is curled up on the couch. As soon as he sits, he slips an arm around her and pulls her close.

  “Sally’s playing outside with the other kids,” Liddle says, handing him a cup of coffee.

  Markus smiles, accepting it. “Thank you. You really are the sweetest wife a guy could have.”

  He takes a sip and pauses at the cold bite. “You even used your magic to make it iced.”

  He leans his forehead gently against hers, voice low. “I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate everything you do.”

  A faint blush warms her cheeks. “It’s just coffee.”

  “Not just the coffee—everything.” He kisses her softly. “I don’t know why you stay with me.”

  “Come on,” he murmurs. “There are so many guys who’d love a lady like you.”

  “Maybe,” she says, drawing lazy circles on his chest with a fingertip. “But I already have you.”

  A knock interrupts them just before the door swings open.

  “May I come in, or are you two too busy making out?” Alexia teases, stepping inside.

  “It’s fine,” Liddle laughs. “I’ll have him later.” She leans up and gives Markus a playful nip on the lip. His startled look makes her heart jump.

  Alexia stops mid-step, expression flattening. “It’s your house,” she says dryly. “Do whatever you want.”

  She drops onto the opposite couch and props her chin on her hand, giving them an exaggeratedly judgmental Thinker pose.

  Markus, still flustered, clears his throat. “How are you feeling? You’re still recovering from mana sickness, right?”

  Liddle giggles and presses her head against his chest.

  “Yeah, I’m feeling great,” Alexia says. “I know I should take it easy before jumping back into fights again, but I’ll be alright.”

  “We tried to visit,” Markus says, still half-pinned under Liddle’s relaxed sprawl, “but Sid shut the door on us.” He attempts a glance toward Alexia, but Liddle’s weight on his chest makes that impossible.

  Alexia laughs softly. “He can be protective. Don’t take it personally. Our job’s pretty dangerous.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Markus sighs. “If Liddle had her way, I wouldn’t even be doing this.”

  “If I had my way,” Liddle sings, planting a quick kiss on his neck, “you wouldn’t leave the bed.”

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  She flashes him a grin. “But I don’t get my way all the time.”

  Markus rolls his eyes. “Come on—can we at least use the sauna once in a while?”

  Liddle taps a finger thoughtfully against her chin. “Hmm… kiss me a hundred times and I’ll think about it.”

  “Alexia, a little help here?” Markus pleads.

  Alexia smirks, steps over, and pins his wrists above his head. “Get him, Liddle.”

  Liddle bursts into laughter and attacks him with playful kisses. Markus doesn’t resist; the warmth of it is too good to fight.

  “Not… what… I meant,” he manages between laughs.

  “You know you love it, Markus,” Alexia teases, already heading for the door with a triumphant grin.

  She pauses in the doorway and winks. “Don’t have too much fun.”

  “No promises,” Liddle replies, stealing one more kiss before giggling.

  When the door closes, Liddle watches it for a moment, then looks back at Markus, softer now.

  “I’ve wanted this for so long,” she whispers.

  Markus cups her cheek and pulls her down again. “I love you,” he murmurs, kissing her gently.

  Liddle still has Markus pinned beneath her, though neither of them is struggling anymore.

  She leans down until her horns frame his neck, the smooth edges brushing his skin. For a moment she freezes. A part of her is still terrified that if she lets go, he might vanish again, the way he almost had so many times before.

  Her breath wavers as she draws closer, feeling the steady warmth of his pulse under her horns. A faint hum slips out of her — something between a sigh and a quiet prayer — as she settles them around him, holding him there just to prove to herself he’s real.

  “Um… Liddle?” Markus tries to look down, but her horns hold his head gently in place.

  “I need this,” she murmurs, her voice trembling. “You’re always running off. I’ve seen you almost die — over and over. And now you’re here. Really here.”

  She presses closer, her body shaking, not from weakness but relief. “I still can’t believe I can hold you. That I have you between my horns. That my husband is finally healed… and living.”

  “I see.” Markus’s voice softens. “I didn’t realize you were carrying all that. I never stopped to think how it felt for you.”

  He shifts gently, guiding them both into a more comfortable position before resting his neck back between her horns. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I wasn’t trying to be a bad husband.”

  Liddle’s arms tighten around him, a silent tremor running through her.

  “You’re not a bad husband,” she says at last, breathing slowly as his warmth anchors her. “You do so much — keeping Sally and me safe, always trying to make things better.”

  Markus’s voice is quiet. “But you were hurting. I should’ve noticed.”

  “I was hiding it,” Liddle admits softly. She lifts a hand so he can see her face. “It’s something my dad taught me — to stay quiet. He always said no one cared about a little demon’s problems. That I should stop being a burden and quit crying.”

  Markus’s expression softens. “He was wrong — because I care.”

  He reaches for her tail and presses a gentle kiss to it.

  Liddle’s eyes widen. “You remembered.”

  “If you ever need to be a nuisance,” Markus says with a soft smile, “I’m here. Because I love you. Because you’re my wife. Whatever life throws at us… we’ll face it together. Okay?”

  Liddle nods, tears gathering fast as she leans into him.

  Markus lifts one of her horns, cradling it carefully in his hand. His thumb draws quiet circles along her side, slow and steady. He doesn’t rush her, doesn’t speak — he just lets her cry against him, holding her like she’s something sacred and irreplaceable.

  Outside, the world keeps moving — kids shouting, wind rattling the fence, life rolling on — but none of it reaches them.

  For a little while, they stay exactly as they are: quiet, close, and safe in each other’s arms.