The millennium-old demon's shock and rage made me inexplicably nervous—hadn't he claimed not to love me? His eyes burned with an intensity that made my skin prickle, his fingers twitching at his sides as if fighting the urge to grab me. No, don't let me look at this face so close. I wouldn't be able to control my heart. Don't make me hesitant again.
Terrified by his intensity and fearing the curse might flare up, I retreated to the farthest corner, breathing rapidly. My back pressed against the cold wall as I struggled to steady my racing heart. Meeting his glacial gaze, I declared, "I'm marrying Rui Jones to become his princess! Tomorrow's our engagement banquet!"
Each word felt like a nail driven into my chest—agony beyond measure. I forced them out anyway, my voice trembling only slightly.
He simply stared, silent and seething, as if wanting to tear me open and examine my heart. The air between us grew thick, charged with unspoken fury.
