Permission to exploit him (2)

The amount of energy exchanged by touching each other was not enough.

Vera realised it when she woke up in the morning with her muscles hurting and the Azhdaya's energy up to her elbow. She had slept with Neven, in the same bed, which probably meant she couldn't afford to lower her guard for a few hours if she wanted to survive.

It didn't hurt much unless she fought it, but the simple thought of losing her soul to a monster made her shiver.

What was even worse, Neven also noticed it was not enough. Just like when he had found her following his instinct, he could feel that something was wrong.

He simply knew it, even though he couldn't understand much.

She had been pale since waking up, and her thoughts were somewhere far. She was considering, making options, and returning to old thoughts over and over again. He could read it on her face.

But she told him nothing until lunchtime.