Chapter 34: Revenge and Understanding

Elina’s POV

Ryan’s fingers brushed my cheek, tucking a strand of my curly black hair behind my ear.

His skin was warm, his flame-shaped tear mole glowing faintly. A soft scent of sulfur clung to him—a reminder of the fire he’d unleashed. 

My heart was still pounding from everything that had just happened, but his touch grounded me. For a moment, I let myself breathe him in, feel the comfort of having him close again. No more distance. No more fear of touching. It was electrifying. Dizzying. Overwhelming.

Then his eyes narrowed—fixed on Fenrir a few feet away. He looked like he was deciding whether to step closer or back off. Ryan’s hand dropped. Tiny flames sparked behind his ears, and he was on his feet in an instant.

There goes my moment.

“You think you can just stand there?” Ryan growled, storming toward Fenrir. His voice cut like a blade.

“Kidnapping Elina. Mocking me. Almost killing her… You really think I’m just going to let that go? You’re going to pay for that.”