Thalina stiffened. Her heart pounded violently, though she forced herself to keep her expression neutral. She knew that look in his eyes—the glint of a beast toying with its prey before going for the kill.
His gaze flicked back to her, sharp as a blade. "Maybe you'd miss them both," he murmured, voice impossibly soft, yet heavy with something unspoken.
Thalina's throat dried. "That's not—"
Eryx cut her off. "Do you despise me because I am a snake Beastman?"
His words crashed over her like a wave, suffocating, accusing. His silver eyes locked onto hers, waiting—no, demanding—an answer.
Thalina felt her chest tighten. "N-no, no that isn't—"
"Then what is it?" His voice was cold, clipped. "If you can easily accept my brothers, why can't you accept me?"
Thalina opened her mouth, then closed it. She didn't know what to say.
