"Let's go home together."
Lor's voice slid through the classroom's fading hum like a blade,, carrying a weight that made Kiara's breath hitch.
Her icy blue eyes snapped to his, searching for a trap in his hazel gaze, but found only a steady, unyielding spark—confidence, not arrogance, a challenge wrapped in calm.
Kiara's lips parted, to say something, but Lor didn't give it room to land.
He stepped closer, his stride smooth, predatory, closing the distance until he was inches from her, his presence a quiet storm.
Her pulse jumped, her body tensing under his gaze.
She'd meant to cage him, to lock him in her orbit, but now, with his eyes on her, she felt the leash tightening around her own throat.
"You—" she started, voice sharp but faltering, her dark bangs framing a face caught between defiance and unease.
Lor's hand found her wrist, his touch light but firm, fingers curling with a warmth that sent a spark up her arm.