Ivara's POV
The moment Xlynor’s fingers left my hair, I should have run… but I didn’t.
My feet stayed rooted to the forest floor, bare soles pressing into damp leaves and cold earth.
Because what was the point? Running meant hope that there was a chance. And there wasn’t.
Xlynor didn’t need to search—he’d find me in seconds if he wanted to. Whether I sprinted like prey or stood still like a fool, the outcome was the same, because I was already caught.
So why bother? Why waste energy pretending I could win something that was already decided?
I turned slowly.
Xlynor stood a few paces away, tall and motionless. His hands were clasped calmly behind his back, and his face blank. There wasn't any sign of anger on the surface, but he was still terrifying.
“Why aren’t you running?” he aske
