Elara’s POV
I think it is, but as I walk beside Kael—this dangerous, complicated man who saved my life and hunted for me and held me when I was fevered and broken—“peaceful” feels like settling for less. It feels like giving up something valuable that I can’t even name.
“He says he loves me,” I add, my voice barely audible now. The declaration that should fill me with joy sounds flat and unconvincing instead.
That’s when Kael finally stops walking and looks at me.
“Does he?” His voice is low, vibrating with what sounds like anger.
I turn to face him and am startled by the fury blazing in his eyes. “Yes, he—”
“And how exactly do you know he loves you?” Each word is sliced off, sharp as glass.
My jaw drops at his tone. “Because he told me so.”
“He told you so.” There’s disbelief in h
