Vorak pushed forward immediately.
'She heard you. Enough waiting.'
I caught his force before it reached my body fully, but only barely. My eyes burned again, and Isla's gaze moved over my face. She didn't step away. Instead, her hand lifted slowly and touched my jaw. That one touch made the fight inside me worse and easier at the same time. Worse because I wanted more. Easier because it was her.
Her thumb moved lightly along my jaw. "Then both of you should listen."
Vorak stilled. I did too.
Isla's eyes stayed locked on mine. "I'm not afraid of the bond," she said. "I'm not afraid of you either." My chest tightened. "But I don't want to be rushed by instinct," she continued. "Not yours. Not mine. Not his. Not Vaela's."
Vorak moved beneath my skin, quieter now.
'She speaks like a que
