The silence after Ryan's desperate plea hung heavy in the air. A few passersby had slowed down to watch the scene unfolding just outside the café, where Eryx stood unmoving, his hand still clasped with Lunara's.
Ryan remained on his knees on the pavement, clinging to whatever fragile hope he had left.
Lunara gently tugged at Eryx's hand again. "Eryx…" she whispered.
But his eyes were fixed on Ryan, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable. After a few tense seconds, Eryx exhaled sharply through his nose. Without warning, he grabbed Ryan by the collar and yanked him to his feet.
"Now…" he muttered, his voice cold as steel, leaning close enough for Ryan to feel the heat of his breath, "act pathetic."
Then he pulled his arm back, fist clenched, ready to strike.
"No! Stop!" a voice cried out.
Eryx froze mid-swing.
Ryan blinked.
Lunara turned toward the voice.
