– Amara's POV (Continued)
The warmth of his palm in mine was unsettling.
Not because I didn't want it—but because I did. After everything. After Rheina. After the chaos. After the silence he gave when I needed answers.
I didn't pull away.
He didn't move either.
The room was dim, the moonlight slicing through the curtains and casting a cold silver glow across the chamber. I could hear his breathing, steady, calm, trying too hard not to disturb the tension between us. But I knew Chris. I knew him. He was holding his breath between every inhale, hoping I wouldn't let go.
I shifted slightly and faced him.
He turned his head toward me, eyes soft but unsure.
"You could've just told me," I whispered.
"I was trying to protect you."
"Then protect me with the truth," I replied, voice sharp but low. "I don't need shadows."
Chris's eyes didn't leave mine. "I'll do better."
"You say that every time."
"Then let this be the last time I say it without proving it."
A beat passed.
Then another.
I finally released a slow breath and closed the gap between us, resting my head lightly on his chest. His heartbeat was a little fast—he hadn't expected it.
"Don't make me your queen in public and a stranger in private," I murmured.
His arm wrapped around me, firm, steady. "You're not a stranger. You're everything."
Silence returned, but this time, it wasn't suffocating. It was shelter.
And for once, I let it hold us both.