Liam stands outside Dianna’s door in the celestial hosts’ small house, hesitant but unable to stay away after nearly losing her. When Dianna insists she is fine despite signs of crying, Liam enters and gets into her bed, using the excuse that he is cold because Liam needs closeness and reassurance that Dianna is safe.

Dianna admits she has not called Gabby because Dianna is too exhausted to pretend she is all right. Liam tells Dianna that Logan is arranging space on a morning convoy and that they are close to where Azrael’s daughter lives, but Liam cannot say the deeper feelings forming in him. Instead, Liam stays beside Dianna, holds Dianna as they have done during Liam’s night terrors, and feels a rare peace while listening to Dianna breathe.

Liam checks Dianna for lingering wounds and apologizes for any pain caused while healing her. Dianna thanks Liam for coming after her when Liam already had the information he needed, revealing Dianna’s expectation of abandonment. Liam assures Dianna that he would never leave her and counters Dianna’s guilt over being captured by calling Dianna brave, strong, and extraordinary.

Dianna responds by kissing Liam, turning their unresolved tension into open desire. The moment gives Liam a powerful realization that Dianna is what Liam has been missing, but the noise from their hosts downstairs reminds them they are not alone. They pull back from escalating too far, teasing each other while trying to remain quiet.

Liam and Dianna continue their intimacy in a restrained way, with Liam focused on giving Dianna comfort and pleasure after the pain Dianna has endured. When Dianna tries to reciprocate, Liam stops Dianna because they must leave early and because Liam wants their first full encounter to happen without secrecy or restraint. Dianna falls asleep smiling, safe beside Liam, but despite the peace Liam has found with Dianna, Liam’s nightmares return.