Liam stood in the dim light of his quarters, his hands braced against the wooden table in front of him. His heart was hammering in his chest, but not from exhaustion.
From something else.
Something deeper.
The voice hadn't spoken again since earlier that night.
But he could feel it.
Lurking.
Waiting.
He exhaled sharply, squeezing his eyes shut. Focus. He needed to focus.
He had a mission. A decision to make. His people were counting on him.
But no matter how hard he tried to push everything else aside—he couldn't.
Because every time he closed his eyes, he heard her.
"I love you, I love you, I love you."
His breath hitched.
"I love you, I love you, I love you."
His fingers curled into the table.
"I love you, I love you, I love you."
"Stop!"
His own voice broke through the silence, echoing against the walls.
Liam panted, his body tense, his throat dry.