Eiravyne's breaths came in shallow, rapid gasps, her chest rising and falling erratically as she tried to make sense of his words.
The warmth of his breath still lingered near her lips, and the closeness of his touch sent conflicting signals through her mind.
The assertion seemed to mock her, twisting her already fragile sense of reality.
She struggled to comprehend what he meant, her thoughts a tangled mess of doubt and disbelief.
"Ilkar," she managed to whisper, her voice trembling. "What… what do you mean it was my choice? I don't understand…I-I really don't understand…."
Her eyes opened slowly, searching his face for answers, but finding only the same unreadable expression.
He sighed softly, almost as if he were disappointed by her confusion.
His thumb gently stroked her cheek, brushing away the lingering traces of her tears.
The touch was almost tender, contrasting sharply with the coldness in his eyes.
