Page 80 of The Sin Binder's Chains

"Gray?" he repeats, like I just accused him of something deeply insulting. "Did you just say gray?"

I shrug. "It’s gray."

"It is not gray." His voice drops into something dangerously close to pouting. "It’s silver."

"Gray, silver." I wave a hand weakly. "Same thing."

"No, no, no, no." He shakes his head, utterly appalled. "Gray is what happens when you get old and bitter and your life is empty. Silver is rare. Silver is distinguished. Silver is a statement."

I blink at him. "So you’re saying it’s just expensive gray?"

Elias gasps like I stabbed him.

"Luna." He places a dramatic hand over his chest. "That might be the cruelest thing you’ve ever said to me."

"I’m sure it’s not."

"No, this is it. This is rock bottom." He exhales sharply, as if deeply wounded. "Do you have any idea how much effort goes into this? This, " He gestures vaguely at his head, "this is intentional. It’s art. It’s iconic."

"It’s gray."

"I hope Severin wins."

I snort. "You wouldn’t last five minutes without me."

"Wrong," he says smoothly. "I’d last exactly four and a half."

I shake my head, letting my eyes drift shut again, still slumped against him. "Whatever you say."

He groans, full of pain. "That’s it. You’ve lost speaking privileges."

"Mm." I exhale against his neck. "I’m too tired to speak anyway."

"Good," Elias mutters. "You don’t deserve words."

I made a mistake.

A huge mistake.

Because I let the words slip.

And now Elias is fixating.

"Wait, wait, wait, " He tightens his grip on the reins, guiding the horse into a steadier rhythm, but his entire focus is on me. "Say that again."

I sigh, my head still tucked against his shoulder. "No."

"Luna."

"Elias."

"You just said you like me."

"I didn’t."

"You did."

"You’re hallucinating."

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