[Blackmoon territories : Ritual pyre…continued]
Lyla's hair was unbound, flowing over her shoulders.
Her face was calm, but her hands… her hands trembled.
Kieran didn't open his eyes…didn't look.
Lyla swallowed, her voice came barely above a whisper. "I… don't expect tenderness. Or romance."
Kieran didn't answer.
She stepped closer, hesitantly placing her hand over his shoulder. "But if this is to happen, let it happen with dignity."
Dignity??! His eyes shut tighter. "I don't know if I can."
A pause.
Lyla took a breath. "You are not betraying her. You are protecting what you are a protector over."
He turned then, slowly, and finally looked at her.Her eyes were soft…not pleading, not hopeful, but… resigned. Like someone who had long accepted that she would never have what she wanted from life. Only what was necessary...perhaps.
Kieran's throat worked. His hands curled at his sides.
