"Lumina…"
Ashen called her name softly, taking a step toward her but at the same time worried about what she would say to him.
She lifted her hand immediately, palm facing him in warning.
"Do not come closer," she said, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound steady. "You hurt me… so don't you dare try to please me."
Ashen stopped at once as his chest tightened painfully. "I needed to stop you," he said quietly. "I needed to control the situation before you committed a mistake that…"
"Do not touch me," Lumina snapped. "Do not speak to me." Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "You used your power on me for him."
Ashen shook his head. "That is not true."
"You chose him," she cut in sharply. "You hurt me for him."
"I am sorry," he said, the word heavy with regret.
She laughed softly, a hollow sound that made his heart ache.
"Have it your way then," she muttered. She turned and stormed out of the room.
