Olivia reached up and cupped his face with both hands. Her thumbs wiped away a smear of black ash from his cheek."Ronan," she said firmly. "Look around us. The world is full of real monsters. They destroyed our homes. They killed our families. They were going to eat us alive. You are not a monster. You are the only reason I am breathing right now."She leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. It was not the desperate, violent kiss of survival they had shared earlier. It was slow, tender, and deeply emotional.The moment their lips touched, the crypt lit up with a soft, pulsing golden glow. The connection between their souls sang with joy. The power was intoxicating. It made them feel invincible, like two gods sitting in the ruins of a broken world.Ronan pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against hers. "I promise you, Olivia. I will protect you. I will use this power to tear apart any nightmare that tries to hurt you.""I know you will," Olivia smiled, feeling completely