Demyan’s POV
Her eyes… they weren’t just startled. They were frightened.
Not of the shadows around us. Not being caught. But of me.
The realization struck harder than a blade to the chest. My hands, still gripping her waist, trembled with the urge to hold tighter yet I forced myself to let go, just a fraction, just enough for her to breathe.
She looked at me like I was some dangerous fire she wasn’t sure she could get close to without being consumed. And maybe she was right.
I dragged a hand through my hair, pressing the other into my thigh until my nails bit flesh, trying to keep myself steady. Calm down, Demyan. Don’t scare her.
But gods, the thought of her disappearing even for a moment had nearly unhinged me. I had searched every corridor, every shadow, half out of my mind with f
