Eros stood close enough that their breaths mixed. "You don't understand... my curse. Every time I love, it turns everything to stone." Avgusta's hand brushed his cheek, and she felt the coldness in his skin. "Not me," she whispered. "You're the only one who makes me feel alive." She leaned in, her lips just a breath away. "Then why fight it?" His voice was raw. "Because I'm terrified of you breaking me." Her eyes held his, unwavering. "Then let me." her lips crashed into his-urgent, reckless. For a moment, nothing existed but them.