Eldur's P.O.V.
The air in the room was filled with something foul—his scent, his pathetic presence, the lingering stench of a boy who didn't belong in Mai's world.
My fingers twitched, but I forced them still. Patience.
The burn of winter and embers curled in the air as I stepped forward, making my presence known.
Her silver eyes flicked toward me, and for a brief moment, I saw it—that flicker of recognition. The piece of her that was mine.
"Liam," I greeted, smirking as the boy stiffened. He knew.
He knew he was nothing but a weed in a garden that belonged to me.
But he was too stupid to pluck himself out.
"Mai," I murmured smoothly, tilting my head. "Come with me."
Liam sat up too quickly, his face twisting in panic. "Mai?"
I had already reached her.
Her body stiffened—but then her shoulders loosened. Her expression softened, her silver eyes dimming, as if falling into something warm and safe.
Me.
Liam jolted forward, grabbing her wrist. "Mai, snap out of it!"
