I look back toward where she was.
In the distance, I can just barely see her—sitting on a bench with Revna. Talking. Her shadows gathered around her.
Movement catches my eye—new shadows drifting toward her from the edges of the square. Hesitant. Curious.
They settle near her feet.
Something in my chest tightens.
She glances over.
Our eyes meet again.
I don’t look away this time.
Something in me steadies.
Something in me breaks.
The bond hums between us—quiet, inevitable, and absolutely undeniable.
Malrik watches the entire exchange. When I finally manage to tear my gaze away, he’s watching me with that same sharp focus.
“That’s what she needs,” he says quietly. “Exactly that.”
I don’t respond.
Can’t respond.
The pull is too strong. Too real.
Malrik turns to leave, pauses. “You’re staying, Darian. Stop fighting it.”
He walks away, leaving me standing there—caught between guilt and inevitability, between what I think I deserve and what I can’t stop wanting.
I look back toward Kaia.
She’s still watching.
And this time, I don’t look away.
Chapter 13
Kaia
I can’t bring myself to look away. He’s still watching me—standing there like he’s waiting for something. Or maybe just waiting.
Move, Kaia. Stop staring.
Something tightens low in my chest.
I stand and start walking toward him before I can talk myself out of it. Movement catches my eye halfway there—Malrik, walking away from Darian. Just as I look, he turns back. Eyes on me.
He smirks.
The bastard.
He’s definitely up to something. Probably been plotting this whole thing.
