-ALEXANDER-
The words "Are you… not strong enough?" echoed in my ears, cutting deeper than any blade. Lilian stood there, a vision of raw temptation, challenging me. Her eyes, cool and defiant, dared me to break. My body screamed for her, every muscle tense, every nerve ending alive with a primal hunger. The bond was a raging fire, threatening to consume what little control I had left.
I wanted to cross the distance, to drag her from the water, to claim what was mine by bond and by force. But the memory of her face, haunted by pain, and her simple, unwavering demand held me captive. I was trapped, caught between agonizing need and a desperate, burning desire for her forgiveness.
"Lilian," I choked out, my voice thick with unshed pain. "This… this is cruel."
She just watched me, her exp
