Nyra's breath hitched.
For the first time, she looked up and really saw him — bathed in the pale moonlight, his face was strikingly handsome, every feature sharp and defined.
Her cheeks flushed deeply, heat rushing through her.
Nyra shook her head quickly, trying to steady the rush in her chest.
Focus, she told herself.
Don't get swept up in that face... or that voice... or—damn it, focus!
She leaned in again, her whisper firmer this time.
"Kael… if you don't leave right now, I'll scream."
That did it.
Kael froze like a man caught picking pockets in front of a palace guard.
His face paled in the moonlight.
"H-hey, hey—no need for that. You got serious real fast, huh? I'm leaving! Leaving, not even looking back—don't scream."
He started to pull away, carefully untangling himself, but just as he rose to his feet, he paused.
His expression softened—almost sheepish, almost fond.
Then, gently, he leaned down and pressed a single kiss to her forehead.
