~Lyra's POV~
"I've been waiting a long time to not have to study you from a distance," Eren said, his voice low and rough, like he'd been holding those words inside for years.
"You were terrible at the distance, for the record," I shot back, a teasing smile tugging at my lips even though my heart was hammering.
He chuckled softly, eyes darkening. "I was exceptional at the distance. That was the problem."
I stepped closer, the air between us already crackling. "Perhaps you can study this form up close." I took his hands and placed them firmly on my waist, letting him feel the heat of my skin through the thin fabric.
"Lyra…" he whispered, staring at me like I was the only thing in the universe. His thumbs traced small circles on my hips, sending tiny sparks everywhere he touched.
I nodded once, barely able to breathe.
