"Okay, Rose. Stop making trouble. I have something to ask you."
Nux's voice was calm but heavy. The kind that didn't allow games or teasing.
Rose, who had been leaning lazily against the velvet couch, froze for a moment. Her violet eyes shimmered with mischief a second ago — but seeing his expression, the playfulness faded, replaced by something softer, more serious.
For all her regal composure, Rose had always carried loneliness behind those purple eyes. The mighty Queen of the Soulforge Citadel — feared, admired, untouchable. But deep down, she was still a woman. One who longed for warmth, for company… for him.
She tilted her head, lips curving slightly as she tried to mask that flicker of vulnerability.
"Ask then, Nux," she said quietly. "I'll answer."
Nux hesitated for a moment, rubbing his thumb along his jaw. He hadn't wanted to ask — because the answer would pull at old wounds. But he needed to know.
He took a slow breath.
