Kaius stared at Austin, his face unreadable.
The air between them was sharp, like it could snap under pressure.
Everyone around them held their breath, waiting to see how the Alpha would respond to her bold confession.
"Which hand did you use?"he asked. His voice was calm.
Austin didn't flinch. She met his gaze straight on."My right."
She watched him carefully, eyes steady, daring him to react.
Would he side with Lena?
Instead, Kaius reached out and took her right hand in his.
He didn't speak. He just lifted it slowly and kissed her knuckles, gently, like she was something breakable.
"Does it hurt?"he asked, his voice soft in a way no one expected.
Jeffrey blinked like he'd just seen a unicorn. Yves, usually the king of commentary, was silent for once.
Ev
