[Leif's Chamber—Continuation—Leif's Pov]
"…Then what about Elowen?"
The moment her name left my lips, Alvar stiffened. His arms slid away from me, the warmth vanishing like ice melting in reverse, and his expression darkened, shadowed with something I couldn't quite read.
"…Why did you bring her up?" His voice was low and deliberate, each word slicing through my chest.
I swallowed, fumbling for an answer. "I mean… she's someone you promised to protect and support, right? So… eventually… you'd have to leave my side to—" My voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken feelings, trying to lace my words with a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
Alvar didn't answer. He just stared at me, calm and dangerous, that faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. And then—he leaned in. Closer. Way too close. My heart nearly leapt out of my throat. His face was a breath away, his eyes holding me captive.
