He did not like how weak it was. He did not like how much it made him want to tear open the door and shout for Cyrus even though he had just left.
So he reached for her hand.
Then stopped.
Then reached again.
Isabella noticed. "Why are you acting like my hand is a dangerous animal?"
"Because you are in a bad mood and may bite."
"I may."
"See? I am wise."
She gave him her hand anyway.
The moment he held it, his fingers curled around hers more carefully than she expected. He did not squeeze too hard. He did not make a joke immediately. He only held on while his other hand hovered near her stomach, dark power ready but not touching her without need.
That made Isabella look at him with suspicion even through the discomfort.
"You are being too nice again."
Zyran's eyes flicked to hers. "Would you prefer me to be awful while your body is working?"
"Yes, actually. That would feel more normal."
A small smile returned to his face. "Fine. You look terrible."
