Finally, he said it.

Chapter 72

The playful edge in his expression faded just slightly, replaced by a flicker of something unreadable. Not fear or anger. Something else. A warning? A memory?

But it passed.

"It was amazing." he said after a pause, his tone quieter now, but not any less intense.

She narrowed her eyes at him, not missing the way his jaw tensed, the flick of emotion he was trying to bury. "Is something wrong?"

"No." He replied quietly, turning away to grab his clothes, but the tension didn't completely ease.

And neither did hers.

Something unspoken hung between them. She watched him...and she instantly noticed how different he seemed, Like he was holding something back.

"Rhydian," she said, softer now, more curious than combative. "What aren't you telling me?"

He stopped cold at the door but didn't turn.

"You marked me." she said.

"I know."