Silence stretched between us, thick and charged. Killian had stepped away, giving me space, but it didn't matter. The weight of his words still lingered in the air between us.
Stay.
I had agreed, but now, standing in his dimly lit chambers, the reality of my decision settled heavily on my shoulders. What exactly had I gotten myself into?
Killian watched me with that infuriating smirk, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. He turned away, moving toward a small table near the fireplace, where a pitcher of water and two glasses sat. With unhurried precision, he poured himself a drink and took a slow sip, as if this were the most casual arrangement in the world.
I crossed my arms. "Are you going to give me my answers, or do you just enjoy playing games?"
He chuckled, low and knowing. "Both."
I narrowed my eyes as he leaned against the table, arms crossing over his chest. The soft glow of the fire cast shadows over his face, emphasizing the sharp cut of his jaw, the lazy confidence in his posture. He looked as if he had all the time in the world.
Infrustrating.
"You came all this way," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Risked sneaking into my territory. Just for an answer."
I stayed silent.
He set his glass down with a soft clink. "Alright then, little warrior. Ask your question."
I exhaled, steadying myself. "Why didn't you kill me?"
For the first time since I arrived, his smirk faded.
A muscle in his jaw twitched. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he stepped closer, his gaze flickering to my wrist, where the mark branded us both.
"I could ask you the same thing," he said, voice softer now, less taunting.
I swallowed. "That's not an answer."
"No," he admitted, eyes locked onto mine. "It's not."
He reached for my wrist, his fingers brushing over the mark with a touch so light it sent a shiver down my spine. "We're meant to kill each other," he murmured. "That's what they say, isn't it? That's what's been drilled into our heads since the moment we could hold a blade."
I clenched my fists. "Then why—"
"Because I wanted to see what would happen if I didn't."
His confession sent a jolt through me.
I stared at him, waiting for him to continue, waiting for the part where he twisted his words into something else, something less… dangerous. But he didn't.
"You think I don't question it too?" Killian said, stepping even closer. "I had my chance. Just like you had yours. But neither of us followed through. And yet, you still came here."
"I came for answers," I whispered.
His lips curved slightly, but there was something softer in his expression now. "And you think I have them?"
"I think you know more than you're letting on."
He hummed, tilting his head in mock consideration. "Maybe. Maybe not."
"Killian!"
Something flickered in his eyes at the way I said his name, but it was gone before I could place it.
"Alright," he said finally. "But if I tell you what I know, I want something in return."
I bristled. "Another game?"
He smirked. "No. Just a simple trade."
I hesitated. "What do you want?"
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he reached out, trailing a single finger down my forearm. The touch was barely there, yet it sent heat rushing through me.
"I want to know why you hesitated."
My breath caught.
His gaze never wavered, pinning me in place. He wasn't teasing now. He wasn't smirking. He was simply waiting.
I forced myself to keep my voice steady. "I—"
The words died in my throat. Because I didn't know how to answer him.
Killian's lips tilted upward, just slightly. "See? You're just as lost in this as I am."
I scowled. "That doesn't mean—"
"You think I let you live because I'm weak?" His voice dropped lower, rougher. "You think I hesitated out of mercy?"
I swallowed hard. "Didn't you?"
A shadow passed over his face. "No."
Silence stretched between us, thick with something I couldn't name.
"I didn't kill you," he continued, voice quieter now, "because something told me not to."
His fingers traced the edge of my wrist again, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
"I don't know what this is, little warrior," he murmured. "But I intend to find out."
My heartbeat thundered in my ears. I should step away. I should put distance between us. But I didn't.
Because deep down, I wanted to know too.