"Are we getting any closer?" I asked, but Kael didn't answer. He simply kept walking.
"Stop it! I'm tired!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, yanking my hand free.
I gently rubbed my bruised wrist, staring at it with anger and a little fear.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know I was hurting you!" he said softly, gently reaching out to hold my hand. He blew on the bruised part, and I felt the suspicion I had been carrying begin to settle.
There was no way someone trying to trick me would treat me this way!
"The house is just around the corner. I was mad at those Beastmen for trying to claim you as theirs. They are so shameless!" he said, staring down at my hands.
A part of me bristled at hearing him call them such names, but I couldn't bring myself to defend them.
"Let's forget about that," I said, retracting my hands.
He stared into my eyes and gently cupped my cheeks.
"Okay."
He let go and continued walking, leaving me behind for a moment.
