JAX POV
The room felt empty the moment she left. Quieter. Too quiet.
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the tension, but I couldn't. That stubbornness… that fire in her eyes. It lingered, crawling under my skin, haunting me.
A knock came at the door.
"My lord… " It's me, Xavian," came his voice.
Whenever Xavian came to call, it only meant one thing.
"Come in," I said, voice low.
He stepped inside, eyes serious. "Sir… the king has summoned you."
I felt that familiar tightness in my chest, the one that always came before the throne room. The weight of being measured, judged… like I was a weapon instead of a man.
I nodded once, forcing my jaw to relax. "Of course. Lead the way."
I followed Xavian through the quiet halls, each step echoing off the polished stone. My boots sounded too loud in my own ears, each click a reminder of what awaited me.
