For a long moment, the only sounds in the library were the crackling of the fire and Nova's soft breathing.
The weight of Marcus's question seemed to press against the very walls of the room, demanding an answer that would shift the foundation of their relationship forever.
Kai was the first to break the silence, but not in the way any of them expected.
Instead of his usual quick wit or casual deflection, he leaned back in his chair and let his gaze travel slowly over Marcus—taking in the commanding posture, the intensity in his dark eyes, the way he held himself with such absolute authority.
"You know," Kai said, his voice dropping to a register that was rougher than usual, "there's something incredibly... compelling about watching you take complete control of a conversation like that."
The confession hovered, crackling like kindling before a blaze, and the room seemed to thrum with new intensity.
