25-ANSWERS
She tugged gently at my elbow and I took one step then I stopped. The bond hadn’t quieted. If anything, it felt tighter now, drawn thin and humming, like a wire pulled too far between two poles. He was still close enough to feel. Still pacing somewhere beyond those doors. Still avoiding me. I swallowed, forcing the ache in my chest into something steadier. Colder. “No,” I said quietly. Lyric turned, brows knitting. “No?” “I’m not leaving like that,” I said. My voice didn’t waver this time. “Not after everything they just said. Not like I’m something they can lock in a room and decide what to do with later.” Her hand stayed on my arm, but her grip shifted—less guiding now, more anchoring. “Nai…” “No, Lyric, I don’t want comfort,” I insisted, voice steadier than I felt. “They said they
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