Chapter 45

Syria’s POV

“Kael,” I said softly, my voice shaking a little as I backed away. Then I turned to face him directly. “Please... calm down.”

I reached out and gently held his hand, hoping it would ease the tension between us, even just a little. Slowly, I sat back down on the bed behind me, trying to keep myself steady. I thought he would sit beside me, but he didn’t.

Instead, he dropped to his knees right in front of me.

That alone made my chest tighten. He looked at me like he needed answers, but I couldn’t say anything. I stayed silent. I didn’t want to give him hope, especially after he admitted something I wasn’t ready to hear. He said he had been hoping for something between us... that maybe there was a chance.

I didn’t expect it. I truly didn’t.

I was still processing what he said when I noticed something shift in him. His breathing slowed. He was calming down, at least a little. Then, out of nowhere, he reached for my hand again.

This time, he didn’t just hold it. He gently guide