-PIPPA-
"Aaron, no! You have a pack to run," I protested, shaking my head—only for a wave of dizziness to slam into me harder than expected.
Before I could even sway, his hands caught my cheeks, steadying me with a firm touch. His eyes burned with an intensity that held me captive. "Listen to me, Pippa. Do you really think I can sit here, running the pack like everything’s fine, while you risk your life? Or are you about to tell me the chalice is sitting pretty on a velvet pillow, safe and sound?"
"Eh… No." I let out a small breath. "A dragon guards it."
Aaron huffed, his jaw tightening. "A dragon?" His head tilted slightly, like he was still trying to process the sheer insanity of it. Then, quieter, through clenched teeth, he muttered, "And you expect me to sit back and let you risk y
