Dane:
I couldn’t stand it anymore.
The silence between us had become a prison, and every step I took behind her felt like shackles dragging me deeper into it. Her scent lingered in the night air, maddening in its familiarity, yet it slipped through my grasp like smoke when I reached for it.
She had said my name, but not how she used to—not with recognition, love, or the trust we once shared.
I had to make her remember.
“Cierra.”
Her steps faltered, just barely. Dominic’s head turned, golden eyes catching mine, a flicker of warning already sharpening there. But I didn’t care. I pushed forward, breaking the distance until I stood close enough to see the fine tremor in her hands where they clutched the dagger.
“Just—give us a moment. Alone.” My voice cracked, rawer than I intended.
D
