Lanling's vision spun. His fingers curled into the tattered fabric of Haruki's clothes, his lips parting—trembling—
But no words came.
They had yet to find a way to break the curse, and now Alba planned to push it to another level? It was absurd. Impossible.
"Haruki…"
Lanling crumbled, pressing his forehead against Haruki's as tears spilled freely. He shook his head.
It was all he could do.
Haruki kissed the crown of his head, inhaling deeply, greedily. The marigold scent he missed so much filled his lungs.
"It's going to be fine. I promise," he murmured, struggling against the reset clawing at his mind.
"Will you trust me, Lanling?"
His fingers lifted Lanling's chin, locking their gazes. A million things crowded his thoughts—
But he let them go.
Now wasn't the time.
"Trust me. I'll come back to you."
He pressed a light kiss to Lanling's lips, the warmth of his breath sending a shiver down his spine. His desires surged, but he forced himself to focus.
