Elysia didn't know what she was doing.
Her body had moved before her mind could catch up, her fingers wrapping around Malvoria's wrist as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Why? She had no answer.
No logic. No explanation.
All she knew was that the moment Malvoria had turned to leave, something in her had panicked.
Something deep, something unspoken, something she didn't want to name. So she had reached out.
She had stopped Malvoria.
And now—
Now she had to deal with the consequences. The air in the room was thick, heavier than it had been mere moments ago, suffocating in its intensity.
Malvoria had gone completely still, her body rigid under Elysia's grip, as if frozen in time.
She didn't pull away. But she also didn't move closer.
Didn't react. Didn't breathe.
The silence between them stretched unbearably, making Elysia's pulse pound in her ears.
Her fingers twitched slightly against Malvoria's skin.
Why aren't you letting go?
She should.
And yet…
