The sound of his footsteps echoed against the stone before I even saw him.
Kael strode forward, his gaze locked onto me, his posture tense, fists clenched. He didn’t need to say a word. I knew what was coming.
When he stopped a few steps away, the silence became unbearable.
“Tell me it’s not true.”
His voice was low, sharp as a blade.
A weight settled in my chest, but I didn’t look away. I didn’t blink.
I didn’t answer.
Seconds stretched between us, a taut rope about to snap.
Kael took another step.
“Tell me, Elise.”
There was nothing pleading in his tone. He wasn’t searching for comfort or excuses. Just a denial. Just a reason not to believe what he already knew.
But I couldn’t give him one.
The muscle in his jaw twitched.
“Say it!” he exploded, his voice slamming against the
