Chapter 253: The Consequences of Power

Chris's smirk faded. His gaze locked onto Skylar, sharp and unwavering.

"You caused this," he said, voice low but firm. "If only you didn't run."

Skylar's breath hitched, but she didn't look away.

Chris exhaled slowly, the weight of everything pressing against him. "You think this is about me? You think I wanted this chaos?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "You ran, Skylar. And the moment you did, everything spiraled."

Skylar's jaw tightened. "Don't put this on me."

Chris tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Why not? You knew the rules of this world. You knew what it meant to stand beside me." He let a beat of silence pass. "And you still ran."

Skylar's chest rose and fell with controlled breaths. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing how deeply his words cut.

"I ran because I had to," she finally said.

Chris's gaze darkened. "No. You ran because you were afraid."

Skylar flinched—so slightly most wouldn't have noticed. But Chris did.

"Afraid of what?" she shot back.

Chris leaned in, ignoring the burning pain in his body. "Afraid of what you were becoming."

Silence.

Skylar's fingers curled at her sides, but she didn't respond.

Chris let out a slow exhale, his eyes never leaving hers. "You thought leaving would stop it. That distance would make you different." His smirk returned, but it was colder this time. "Tell me, Skylar… after everything, do you still believe that?"

Skylar swallowed hard, but she didn't answer.

Because they both knew the truth.