Chapter 71
The room was still buzzing with the echoes of chaos, though here in the quiet shadows, the world seemed to hold its breath. Tessa leaned back against the wall, heart racing, trying to catch herself. Dastien’s arm was braced against the plaster beside her head, his chest rising and falling in sharp, controlled breaths. For a long moment, neither spoke. It wasn’t silence exactly—it was heavy with all the words unsaid, all the feelings brimming over. Finally, he tipped his head down, amber eyes catching the dim light, and whispered, “You scared the hell out of me tonight.” His voice was rough, gravel dragged over stone, but laced with so much emotion that it squeezed her heart. Tessa swallowed, her throat tight. “I scared myself too.” Her fingers twitched, wanting to reach for him but afrai
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