Page 115 of Bound to the Dreadlord

Slow. Measured.

My pulse quickens.

Not in fear.

Not anymore.

He stops inches away.

His voice is unreadable. "Did you enjoy it?"

The truth is sharp.

Yes.

I do not say it.

I do not have to.

He already knows.

The silence between us stretches.

I expect him to speak. To reprimand.

He does not.

He does something worse.

He lifts a hand—slowly. His fingers brush my jaw, tracing blood that is not mine.

My breath catches.

His gaze is heavy, unreadable but he does not stop.

He should not touch me like this.

Not after everything.

Not after what I just did.

But he still does.

I do not pull away.He does not move.

The gap between us is too small, too much.

My heart is hammering too fast.

"Go inside."

I blink. "What?"

His jaw tightens.

"Go inside, Sera."

A command. But not like before.

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