Felih is surprised by the kisses, by the apologies, and it just makes his heart ache even more. But he doesn't give in, pulling his mate down into a soft, proper kiss, tail curling around him protectively as he stays put, shielding his mate from the phantom.

"I promised to love you, and I won't give up on you," he murmurs softly, before turning back to the shade. "It'll take more than a shade to drive me away. I won't let it hurt you. I won't. I refuse. I'm staying right here, and it's not going to scare me away."

Without his magic, all he can do in this cursed cave is hold his mate tight and stay put between him and the phantom borne of fear- but it's still something he can do- so he does.

"Whoever I was, whoever I am- I know I wouldn't want you to succumb to this."