Zale could barely hear his own voice over the sound of his racing thoughts and pounding heart. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of apprehension, unsure of how Soren could even think to ask about his well-being after witnessing what he had done.
With a heavy heart, Zale slowly lifted his gaze to meet Soren's disappointed eyes. But instead, he found himself stunned by the worry and nervousness reflected in them.
Tears began to stream down his face, and he tried to choke back anguished sobs by clenching his jaw and biting his lips. All the emotions that he had been bottling up came crashing down at once when he locked eyes with Soren. No matter how hard he tried to maintain a facade of cruelty and strength, Soren could effortlessly unravel it all with just one question about his well-being.
