After their heartfelt conversation,Tilly nestled into Elias's chest, reminiscent of the times she used to doze off clinging to him.
"Elias, I really, really love you..."
"I heard once about Gould, who chased after my professor his whole life. Even after making a name for himself in the City of Saint Rose, he never married. And the professor remained single too..."
"We can't end up like them!"
"We must stay together forever!"
Elias gently stroked her hair, caressing her tired and pale cheeks from overexertion.
Tickled by his touch on her eyelashes, Tilly chuckled, lifting her head.
"I used to scoff at the word, thinking it was nothing more than a biological impulse between men and women."
"But now I understand!"
"This must be love!"
She looked up into Elias's face, asking softly, "Do you love me, Elias?"
"Yes."
Tilly's smile sweetened.
"Elias, since you love me, let me kill you."
