This boldness, this initiation from Lilah, was new.

The world seemed to stand still. When their lips finally parted, Gerard gazed deeply into her eyes. "“Lilah," he began, but she interrupted with a tender smile.

“Thank you for waiting. I'm here now." In that moment, she seemed radiant, like a vision of hope.

Overwhelmed, Gerard instinctively reached out, wanting to pull her close.

But his arms met nothingness.

His surroundings came back into focus, and the harsh reality set in.

Lilah lay before him, still and unmoving, showing no signs of consciousness. The vision of her awakening, that brief moment of happiness, had been a figment of his weary mind.

He chastised himself internally.

Of course, it had been too good to be true.

Lilah kissing him out of the blue? It was just a daydream.

He sighed deeply, feeling a pang of longing.

As he gently caressed her face once more, he could have sworn he felt a slight flutter beneath her eyelids.

Gerard felt a tightness in his chest when he saw Lilah slowly open her eyes on the bed.

"Gerard?"

Her eyes, clear as untouched lakes, tugged at Gerard's emotions.

"You're awake now, Lilah?"

Tears rimmed his eyes as he gently touched her cheek.

Lilah studied him. This was not the Gerard she remembered. Once polished and perfect, he now appeared worn.

He looked like he hadn't slept for days.

Pain clenched at Lilah's heart. Tears threatened as she tried lifting her hand to his face.

Without hesitation, he held her hand to his cheek. "Are you really awake, Lilah?"

"You need a shave," Lilah said.

Laughing, Gerard replied, "I'll get on that!"

"You've asked if I'm awake twice now. Of course, I am. Why?" Lilah's eyes held a gentle tease.