Page 37 of Zayrik

I froze.

Zayrik didn’t move. Didn’t press.

Just waited.

And maybe that’s why it happened.

I exhaled. “Once.”

He didn’t react. But he was listening. And somehow, I kept talking.

“I was sixteen,” I muttered. “Stupid. Thought I was in love.”

His hands curled at his sides.

“He was a trader. Said he’d take me with him. Said I was his.”

Zayrik’s jaw flexed.

I laughed, cutting and bitter. “What he meant was, he planned to sell me.”

The words landed like a slap.

Zayrik didn’t move.

Didn’t breathe.

A beat passed.

Then, softly, “That’s why you haven’t settled down.”

I didn’t answer. Didn’t have to.

He exhaled, dragged a hand through his hair.

Then, low. Dangerous.

“If I ever find him, I’ll kill him.”

I should’ve laughed.

Should’ve said it didn’t matter anymore.

But I didn’t. Because for once, I didn’t feel like lying.

Zayrik stepped forward. Not too close.

But close enough.

“I get it now,” he said, voice low. “Why you don’t trust anyone. Why you fight so damn hard.”

I swallowed.

His eyes searched my face. Waiting.

Then, deeper.“But you do trustme.”

My breath caught. I couldn’t answer.

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