Violet's breath hitched as Cain's intense gaze bore into her, a silent command lingering in the space between them. He gave her a choice—his lips unmoving, but his posture tense, his hands flexing on either side of her head. The message was clear: this was only a brief moment of mercy. If she continued to refuse, the inevitable would happen, and it would be on his terms.
Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, her throat tight as she weighed her options. His patience was hanging by a thread, his gaze unwavering as he waited for her answer. Violet could see the telltale signs of his restraint slipping—muscles coiled, his jaw set, his breathing measured. She knew she had only seconds to act before he decided for both of them.