Elara sat curled against the headboard, knees drawn to her chest, the oversized shirt swallowed around her like a shield. Her face was pale, eyes red rimmed, but the tears had slowed to silent tracks down her cheeks. She stared at Kai as if seeing him for the first time the man who had lived inside her body for weeks, who had knotted her until she saw stars, who had just grown fangs and claws in front of her.Kai stayed on the floor, giving her space, elbows resting on his bent knees.
The early morning light filtered through the curtains, painting soft gold across the wrecked bed and the faint bruises on her thighs that peeked from under the shirt hem.“I know this is too much,” he said quietly. “I know you need time. But I’m not going anywhere, Elara. Ask me anything. Yell at me. Hit me i
