Lyra’s breath barely moved.
Kael was too close.
Again.
But this time—
It didn’t feel uncertain.
It felt inevitable.
“You should stop,” she whispered, but there was no strength behind it.
Kael’s eyes held hers. “You don’t want me to.”
Not a question.
Never a question with him.
Her chest tightened.
Because he was right.
Again.
“You make it hard to think,” she said softly.
A faint smile touched his lips. “Then don’t.”
The words settled between them, quiet but heavy.
Lyra knew she should step back.
Create distance.
Do something.
But her body didn’t move.
And that was the problem.
Kael’s hand was still lightly holding her chin, his touch warm, steady. Not forcing. Never forcing.
Waiting.
For her.
Her gaze dropped to his lips for just a second—
And that was enough.
Kael
