*Hazel's POV*
"Touch me. Don't pull away this time." My fingers circled Kael's wrist, my grip weak but determined.
His eyes darkened. "You're in no condition for this, Hazel."
"I need to understand." I tightened my hold. "This... connection between us. The energy. Let me feel it."
Kael's jaw tightened. "It's dangerous."
"So is keeping me in the dark." I didn't release him, despite the subtle trembling in my fingers. "I'm tired of being the last to know about my own abilities."
Something flashed in his eyes—respect, maybe. Or annoyance. With Kael, it was hard to tell the difference.
"You're weak," he stated bluntly. "The children drained you more than you realize."
"Then I'll rest afterward." I tugged his hand toward me. "Right now, I need answers more than sleep."
Kael studied me, his expression unreadable. I braced myself for another refusal, another moment of him exercising his authority.
Instead, he surprised me. "What do you want to try?"
