Aurelia's voice was low, laced with hurt rather than anger. "How did you know?" she asked, sunlight bouncing off the demon blade she twirled in her hand.
Falcon met her gaze, the sky around them swirling with the chaotic energy of their battle. "The second the message demon touched my palm," he admitted, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Though, I have to say, you played the damsel in distress rather convincingly."
Aurelia's smile was sharper than her blade. "And why, oh brave hero, did you choose to play along? Why vanish when I needed you most?"
His smile faltered. "I…" The words snagged in his throat, choked by the storm of emotions in his eyes. Guilt, desperation, love — it was a maelstrom that threatened to pull him under.
