"That… that's real, isn't it?" Mirea whispered.
The words made the air tighten around Asperia's chest.
"...."
She didn't respond. She didn't even move. Her lips pressed into a thin line, eyes fixed on the flickering firelight far away.
The warm glow touched her cheeks, but her expression stayed unreadable—silent as stone.
Inside, a storm raged. The knowledge hit her like a cold wave: imprint meant Vex would be with Maira in the most intimate way.
Asperia tried to push the thought away, but it clung to her, like a shadow she couldn't escape.
She had seen Vex naked before—his body strong, every muscle defined and powerful.
And now, imagining that body against Maira's, moving with her, twisted a feeling inside her.
A sharp pang of jealousy mixed with discomfort she couldn't shake, like an ache deep in her bones.