Kaelen's POV
My hand settled over hers where she gripped my arm, not to pry her fingers away but to anchor this moment between us. I needed her to feel the unwavering resolve in my touch, the certainty I was trying to transfer to her through that simple contact.
"But I will never forgive myself if he escapes," I said, my voice steady as I held her stare, letting that truth sink in before adding with quiet determination, "Help my uncle. I will survive this."
Her fingers remained locked around my arm, and time seemed suspended in that heartbeat between us. Her grip stayed fierce, her eyes boring into mine as if she could find some guarantee buried there, some promise solid enough to make letting go bearable.
