Chapter 90
Kross
I didn’t know what hurt more—the silver bite still throbbing in my shoulder or the silence sitting between us.
Vanya hadn’t said a word in minutes. Not since I asked her if she’d accepted me. Not since she pulled her hands away, eyes trained on the bandage like it was the only safe place to look.
I hated that.
So I reached out and gently took her chin, guiding her gaze back to mine. Her pupils flared, surprised, stubborn.
"Why are you here then?" My voice came out low, edged with bitterness I couldn’t hide. "Did Vaughn tell you I was injured and you just came running? Despite every risk—sneaking into Thalvion, sneaking into my room—you’re here. Why?"
She didn't speak. Her jaw clenched. Her lips parted… but no answer came.
I leaned closer, my voice lowering to a rou
