When Lewis heard my words, something bright flashed in his dark eyes.
It was sudden, like light breaking through heavy clouds.
"Are you… serious?" he asked, carefully. Almost afraid.
That hesitation pulled at my chest.
I'd been with Julain for years, yet he had never once paused like this. He had grown up adored, protected, placed at the center of everything. The Hale name had always wrapped around him like armor. He never doubted that he would be chosen.
Lewis was different.
The distance he carried wasn't arrogance it was hunger that had learned to stay quiet. Even his feelings for me had been held back, buried deep, controlled by instinct and caution.
Power followed him everywhere, but affection never had.
So when I said those simple words, they landed harder than I expected.
I squeezed his hand and met his gaze.
"Yes. I like you."
His arm tightened around my waist instantly, protective and steady.
