The cavern was still, save for the echo of my breathing and the faint hum of power emanating from the frost-covered walls. I stood where Ash had kissed me, my emotions swirling in a tempest of confusion, anger, and longing. His warmth still lingered on my lips, clashing with the icy aura that had become my essence.
Why had I let him get so close? After everything he had done, after all the destruction and heartbreak, I should have frozen him where he stood. And yet...
“Lux.”
The sound of his voice startled me, drawing me from my thoughts. I spun around to find Ash standing in the shadows, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. He leaned against the cavern wall, his posture casual, but the tension in his gaze betrayed his true feelings.
“You’re back,” I said, my voice colder than the frost
