The arms were cold.
Thalina didn't even need to turn around to know it was him.
Eyrx was back.
Yet, despite knowing that, she still turned. And when she did—when her gaze met his—she saw something unexpected.
Warmth.
It was faint, barely there, but present. A flicker of worry, buried deep beneath his usual cold exterior.
"Are you okay?" His voice was low, quiet.
Thalina nodded instinctively, though she wasn't entirely sure if it was true. The headache had passed, but a strange weight still lingered in her chest.
She tried to pull away.
And that was when she realized he wasn't letting go.
Her fingers pressed against his chest, firm and unyielding, but the grip around her waist did not budge.
Her brows furrowed. "Why are you always so cold?"
His hold tightened just a fraction, making her flinch.
"Stop moving," he ordered.
Thalina stilled.
His tail curled slightly, shifting around them like a silent, looming presence.
"Only move when you're feeling better."
