Page 98 of Bound By Crimson

Sunset

The sky burned gold and crimson as the sun dipped toward the horizon.

Waves rolled in slow and steady, whispering against the shore.

Lyric stood barefoot in the sand, the hem of her dress fluttering in the breeze. Her hair was longer now, sun-kissed and free, dancing around her face.

She looked peaceful.

She was.

Noah giggled behind her, stumbling through the soft dunes. Tiny feet kicking up sand.

Chubby hands reaching for seashells. His laughter cut through the air like music.

“Careful, baby,” she called softly.

He turned toward her, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright.

“Mama!”

He held up a small shell in his chubby fist, giggling.

She smiled, walking over to him, kneeling in the warm sand.

“That’s a beautiful one,” she said, brushing his hair back. “Just like you. ”

He threw his arms around her neck, and she held him close, breathing in the salty air, the ocean breeze, and the scent of sunscreen and sunshine on his skin.

Behind them, the house stood tall and quiet. The oceanfront estate Grayson had promised.

A safe place.

He was inside, making dinner. He never pushed, never pried. Just stayed steady—

present.

He loved Noah like his own.

And he never once asked her to be anything more than what she was.

She looked out at the water, the sun melting into the waves.

This life wasn’t perfect.

But it was hers.

No one was chasing her now.

No one was watching her through locked doors.

Just Noah’s laughter.

Just the sea.

Just peace.

She kissed his cheek and whispered.

“We made it.”

And this, to her, was everything .

Thank you for your support.