Chapter 67
Ariana did not move right away.
She stood where she was, her breathing uneven, her chest still tight from everything that had already happened. The space around them had settled, but not completely. The light remained steady, but it no longer felt calm. It felt watchful, like it was waiting for the next decision they made.
She took one step back.
The reaction came instantly.
Her breath caught. Her hand flew to her chest as something twisted sharply beneath her ribs, deep and sudden, like it had been pulled too far too fast. It was not just pain. It was pressure, like something inside her was resisting the distance.
Kael saw it.
He moved without thinking.
"Ariana."
"Stop."
Her voice came out strained. She lifted her hand slightly, stopping him before he could take another step.
"Don't come closer."
He froze.
Not because he wanted to.
