No one could sense fated bonds anymore.
No one except—
His thoughts cut sharply.
He exhaled slowly, forcing control back into place.
She believed herself the Messenger.
If she was lying, she was either extraordinarily delusional… or astonishingly brave.
If she was telling the truth…
His gaze darkened.
That possibility was far more dangerous than deception.
He finally spoke without looking at her.
“You will not return to that place.”
The statement emerged before he consciously decided to say it.
He did not retract it.
She protested — quietly, logically, stubbornly. Mentioned payment. Necessity. Lack of alternatives.
He listened.
Then he turned slightly toward her.
“You do now.”
Silence filled the car.
He did not elaborate.
He did not clarify.
Because even now… he did not
