Justin’s answer came without hesitation, even as the neutral sensitizer kept every nerve in his body screaming.
His forehead remained pressed to my stomach, breath hot and ragged against my skin. His voice was raw, barely more than a whisper, but it carried the weight of total, peaceful surrender.
“No,” he breathed. “I don’t believe you should let the realm have me back. I don’t want to be Supreme again. I don’t want the throne, the Council, or the power I once killed for. I only want this… you… on your terms. Keep me broken. Keep me dependent. Keep me here, leaking and trembling for you, while the realm tears itself apart. I chose wrong before. I will never choose wrong again.”
The words landed like a scalpel between my ribs, slicing the fracture inside my chest wide open.
I cupped hi
