Punishment

Xylon, still holding her cheek gently between his teeth, sensed the subtle taste of saltiness as her tears began to flow. Something within him shifted, and he slowly released her cheek, his lips parting from her skin. 

It was as though the taste of her tears brought him back to the reality of the moment, and he gazed into her eyes, his own filled with a mixture of confusion and concern.

"Eva," Xylon whispered, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "why are you crying?" He couldn't quite comprehend his own actions moments ago, let alone the effect they had on her.

She looked away feeling lost .

Xylon gently lifted her chin with his fingers, urging her to meet his gaze. "Eva, look at me," he implored, his eyes searching for answers in her tear-filled gaze.

Eva's voice quivered as she struggled to find the words, her lips trembling as they formed each syllable. Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried the weight of her emotions.