For some reason, Eli's heart was pounding so violently against his ribs it hurt. Every thud echoed in his ears, drowning out the monster's breathing, drowning out the cavern itself.
Kairo's hand was still on his face, firm and unyielding, those black eyes locked onto him with a gravity Eli had never felt before.
The words he'd just heard—words he never thought would come from Kairo—burned in his chest hotter than the blood loss.
And yet… he felt flustered.
His cheeks burned despite the chaos, despite the shrieks of the beast above.
'Why… why does that sound so oddly...intimate...'
"Do you understand?" Kairo asked, his voice low, deliberate, dangerous if ignored.
Eli swallowed hard, throat raw. He forced himself to nod slowly.
But Kairo didn't let him off that easily. His tone sharpened, a warning that left no room to hide."I need a verbal answer, Eli."
Eli's lips parted, trembling. "O-Okay… yes."
