Kael's forehead lingered against hers, their breaths mingling in the hush of the corridor. His crimson eyes softened, his lips hovering close enough that Nerine could feel the whisper of his breath, heavy and uneven.
The world seemed to narrow—just the two of them, caught in the fragile space between restraint and surrender. He tilted his head, as though giving in at last, and Nerine's heart thundered in anticipation.
But at the last second, he pulled back.
His eyes shuttered, as if a war raged inside him. He released her hand, stepping away just enough to let the cold air rush in between them. "Let's head in…" he murmured, his voice rough, almost pained.
Something inside Nerine clenched. For days she had endured his distance, his anger, his silence. And now, after seeing the truth in his eyes, after hearing his vow, she couldn't let him retreat into the shadows again.
Her body moved before her mind could catch up.
