Dustin paced back and forth along the stone pathway, his eyes scanning the horizon. Thalia was late returning from her mission and his stomach churned with unease. The sun sank lower in the violet sky, shadows stretching across the valley below. Where was she?

A roar sounded in the distance and Dustin's heart leapt as he saw a speck of orange in the dusky sky. Thalia's dragon. Relief flooded through him as the pair came into view, but it quickly turned to concern. The dragon flew erratically, lurching through the air instead of gliding smoothly. As they landed in front of Dustin, he saw Thalia slumped over in the saddle, barely conscious.

He rushed to help her down, catching her limp body in his arms. Her face was pale and drawn, dark circles beneath her eyes. His fingers brushed over raised scars along her arms, still red and raw. She trembled against him, utterly spent.

"Thalia," he whispered. "What happened?"

She lifted her head with effort. "The mission..." Her voice was hoarse. "We were ambushed. I thought..." She trailed off, fresh tears welling in her eyes.

Dustin's throat tightened with emotion. Seeing her like this, so broken...it tore at his heart. In that moment, he knew. He loved her. Truly loved her. And he would do anything to take away this pain.

Dustin gently lifted Thalia in his arms, carrying her inside to rest. She leaned her head against his chest, too weary to even walk on her own. He brought her to her room and laid her down on the bed.

Kneeling beside her, Dustin carefully removed her tattered armor and clothing. His breath caught as he revealed the extent of her injuries - angry gashes and dark bruises covered her delicate frame. She winced as he cleaned and dressed her wounds with a healer's salve, his hands trembling.

Thalia's eyelids fluttered closed, but Dustin could tell she was still awake by the tension in her body. He smoothed back her hair and took her hand in his.

"You're safe now," he murmured.

She nodded slightly, fresh tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. Dustin had never seen her so vulnerable. The vibrant, lively Thalia he knew seemed to have vanished, leaving behind this shaken, hollow shell.

He had to be strong for her now. Dustin squeezed her hand, hoping she could feel his silent promise. He would stay by her side and help her through this, no matter how long it took. Because he loved her with his entire being.

And someday, when she was ready, he would tell her so.

Thalia's eyes opened slowly, her gaze meeting Dustin's. In the flickering candlelight, he could see the weariness and pain lingering in her emerald eyes.

"I almost didn't make it back this time," she whispered hoarsely.

Dustin felt his heart constrict. "But you did," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You're the strongest person I know, Thalia. Whatever you faced out there, I know you gave it your all."

She let out a shaky breath. "There were just so many of them. The corruption has spread so far now, tainting everything it touches." A tear slipped down her cheek. "I don't know if I have the strength to keep fighting."

Seeing her faith and spirit so shaken was like a knife through Dustin's heart. He longed to wrap her in his arms, to shelter her from all the darkness and evil in this world. But he knew the battle was hers; all he could do was stand beside her.

"You won't have to do it alone," he told her. "We're all here for you, Thalia. Me, the Skysworn, the people of this city - we believe in you." Dustin squeezed her hand again. "I believe in you."

Thalia turned her head to look at him, surprise mingling with the doubt in her eyes. In that moment, Dustin wanted nothing more than to kiss away her pain and fear. But he held back, uncertain if she felt the same stirrings in her heart.

Instead, he simply said, "Rest now. We can figure out the next step when you've healed."

After a long moment, Thalia nodded and closed her eyes once more. Dustin stayed by her side as she drifted off, keeping vigil over the woman who had stolen his heart.

Dustin stepped outside the infirmary, his heart heavy. Thalia's doubt and vulnerability had shaken him deeply. He had always seen her as invincible, her spirit and confidence never wavering. But now he realized even she had limits.

Needing time alone to process his thoughts, Dustin headed into the streets of the mage city. All around him, its beauty shone as the sun set over the glittering spires and arching bridges. The very air hummed with magic, infusing Dustin with a sense of wonder despite his troubled mind.

As he walked, contemplating the day's events, he felt his care for Thalia blossoming into something more. He had always admired her grace and skill, but now realized it was her heart and spirit that truly drew him in.

Could he confess these new feelings? Dustin pondered the risk as he meandered aimlessly through the city. If she didn't reciprocate, it could ruin their friendship. Yet keeping silent felt dishonest, stifling this love before it could grow.

Dustin came to rest atop a secluded bridge, gazing out at the city bathed in amber light. His heart ached, torn between hope and fear. But in that moment, watching the sun sink below the horizon, he knew he had to be true to himself.

When the time was right, he would lay bare his heart to Thalia. She was his guiding star, and he could no more change his feelings than alter the course of the very heavens above. Dustin just prayed she would not spurn his affections. For in her eyes he had found a home, one he hoped they could build together.

Dustin took a deep breath, steadying himself. The decision was made - he would reveal his heart to Thalia. Yet doubts still plagued him.

Did he truly deserve her love? She who was so brave, so skilled, while he was but a humble worker in the menagerie. When she flew high amongst the clouds, he remained earthbound.

"She is a bright star, and I but a moth drawn to her flame," he murmured.

Perhaps it was foolish to dream that she could ever return his affections. That one such as her would even look twice at him. But the yearning in his heart was too powerful to ignore. He had to try, to know one way or another if there was any hope for them.

The sun slipped below the horizon, blanketing the city in soft twilight. Dustin watched the lights flickering to life, dots of warmth mirroring the hope kindling within him. Fear and doubt twisted his stomach into knots, but stronger still was this blossoming love.

He would lay himself bare before Thalia, holding nothing back. And if she turned him away, at least he would know he had been honest and true. Dustin steeled himself, resolve growing. Come what may, he would follow his heart.