He didn't respond immediately. His eyes held mine, they remained dark and unreadable. Then he leaned closer, his breath grazing my lips.
"Don't ask for what you know I can't give."
"And what is that?" I whispered, even though my chest already knew the answer.
"Only you."
I looked away, my jaw clenched. "Then don't expect me to stay."
His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist before I could shift away. "Don't test me, Ember."
"Then stop acting like I belong to you."
'What a crazy psychopath? Egoistic maniac!'
His grip loosened. For a second, he looked almost… lost. But then he blinked, and the coldness returned like a mask snapping into place.
"You'll have your food soon." He stood up.
"And after that?" I asked softly.
He paused near the door. "You'll rest. You're not strong enough to leave this room yet."
My eyes narrowed. "That sounds more like a warning than a concern."
He didn't deny it. He left without looking back.
