Lila
The light collapses inward.
Not fading—closing.
The silver radiance tightens around Damien and me until the world outside the clearing blurs, sound dulling as if we’ve been dropped beneath water. The ground beneath our feet steadies, reshaping itself into a smooth, circular platform etched with glowing lines that pulse in time with my heartbeat.
I can feel him now.
Not just through the bond.
Through proximity.
Heat radiates from Damien’s body, solid and undeniable, his presence overwhelming in a way that has nothing to do with dominance and everything to do with gravity. His hand is still wrapped around my wrist, firm but not restraining.
Aware.
“You’re shaking,” he says quietly.
“So are you,” I reply, breath unsteady.
He exhales through his nose, jaw tight. “That’s not fea
