For the first time since he had been dealing with the new Ailetta, Noah was left speechless. He had witnessed her personality shift through so many extremes, cold, teasing, affectionate; that he had almost become numb to her peculiarities. Yet the blunt intensity with which she voiced her desires now caught him completely off guard, stirring something unfamiliar within him.
Despite his lack of a verbal response, his smile betrayed his thoughts. It wasn't the kind of grin that reflected amusement or mockery, but rather an acknowledgment of the boldness she now carried so unapologetically. A faint chuckle escaped him, almost involuntarily, as he finally met her gaze.
"You really don't hold back anymore, do you?" he murmured, his steps beginning to move towards her.
"Holding back has gotten me nowhere. I've been able to obtain what I've always wanted when I stopped caring about the consequences." Her tone matched her dangerous desire within her gaze.
