KAEL'S POV
The roots coiled higher, binding my chest, my throat. Every pulse was her heartbeat—hers, yet not hers—driving deeper into me with every throb. The swarm pressed around like vultures, claws scraping stone, waiting for the signal to tear me apart.
And she stood there.
Her hair drifting like smoke in the heat of the cocoon's fire, her eyes crimson and merciless. Her voice was soft, almost tender, but it carried the weight of a thousand whispers.
"If you love me… bleed."
The words sank into me like poison. But I saw through them. I had to.
I gritted my teeth, muscles straining against the roots, and forced my gaze to hold hers. "No."
Her head tilted, the shadows shifting in unison behind her.
"What did you say?"
I spat blood, lips curling in a snarl. "I said no. You can drown me, you can break me, you can rip me apart—but I won't bleed for them. I'll only bleed for you."
