waterbound, chapter 15, complete:
Her whole face seemed to light, as if the fire of the hearth mirrored the hidden flame of her soul. “Perseus!” she exclaimed happily, clasping her hands together in delight. “You have returned!” Perseus was surprised she had caught sight of him so quickly - the shadows were deepening by the second, and he had thought he was fairly well concealed - but he couldn't be upset at being caught out, not when she turned that smile on him. Something swelled in his chest as the full force of her happiness hit him, driving home the change that three days had wrought on her countenance. Where once she had been a marble ghost, body and mind under rigid control as she fought to conceal her fear, she was now uninhibited, expressing joy and ease like breath. Gone was that stoic, icily beautiful sacrifice; in her place was a radiant woman, exulting in being alive. “I have,” he whispered, voice a little ragged as he tried to catch his breath. He cleared his throat and gave her his best imitation of her own smile in return. “I had not expected that your afternoon would be near as busy as mine,” he said, unfolding his arms to step into the light. “But it seems I was wrong. You must tell me, because I have been standing here trying to work it out without success - what is it are you making, sweetling?”
