Avanaya blinked, trying to make sense of the layers unfolding before her. So her family had been close to the royal family? That revelation alone twisted her perception of everything she thought she knew. Unbelievable.
"I need to go now," Eryx said again, his voice more insistent this time. The room seemed to hum with the tension between them.
"Wait — don't!" she blurted, her hand tightening on his wrist. Her voice wavered just slightly, but the conviction in her tone was unshakable. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Eryx frowned, confusion flickering in his eyes. "And why's that?"
"Because I don't think it's the right thing to do right now," she said, her voice lowering but gaining intensity. Her hand dropped from his wrist as she stepped back slightly, her gaze steady, unwavering.
Eryx stared at her, the flicker of conflict tightening his jaw. He didn't understand — until she added, with measured calm:
