He didn’t say anything at first, just stood beside her in the dim light, his presence calm and steady as always. For a moment, they sat in silence, the tension between them unspoken but palpable.
Finally, Darius broke the silence, his voice gentle but filled with concern. “Amara, you’ve been distant,” he said softly, his eyes searching her face. “I know something’s been bothering you since the dungeon. You’ve been avoiding me. Talk to me. Please.”
Amara didn’t respond at first. She couldn’t. The words felt lodged in her throat, too heavy to speak. But she knew Darius wouldn’t let it go. He had always been patient with her, but there was a firmness in his voice now, a quiet insistence that told her he wouldn’t walk away until she opened up.
“Amara,” he said again, his tone even softer th
