Elara's POV
I don’t understand what has happened to Kael.
The taciturn mercenary who barely spoke unless he was giving orders has been replaced by someone who can’t seem to stop touching me. His fingers graze my arm when he hands me water. His hand supports my back when I sit up too quickly. He pulls me into his lap as if he has every right to do so.
During our journey, he was sharp-tongued and dismissive, answering my questions with grunts or cutting remarks. Now he watches me with an intensity that makes my skin burn, and every casual brush feels like he’s branding me.
And the worst part? My body responds to his touch like I’m starved for contact.
“Let me go,” I demanded again, pushing against his chest. But he’s solid as stone, completely immovable.
His hand tightens in my hair, n
