Chapter 117
The pressure disappeared so suddenly it left a hollow silence behind, like the space had been holding its breath and finally let it go. Ariana's hands stayed firm on Kael's shoulders as she leaned closer, her fingers trembling despite how hard she tried to steady them. "Kael… look at me," she said, her voice tight, the fear no longer hidden.
For a moment, nothing happened, and the stillness stretched just long enough to feel wrong. Then his chest rose unevenly, the breath catching halfway before settling, and his shoulders shifted under her hands as if his body was slowly pulling itself back together. Ariana didn't move, her grip tightening instinctively as relief tried to rise, but never fully settled.
"Kael," she said again, softer now, searching.
