"That… that's real, isn't it?" Mirea whispered.
The words made the air tighten around Asperia's chest.
"...."
She didn't respond. She didn't even move. Her lips pressed into a thin line, eyes fixed on the flickering firelight far away.
The warm glow touched her cheeks, but her expression stayed unreadable—silent as stone.
Inside, a storm raged. The knowledge hit her like a cold wave: imprint meant Vex would be with Maira in the most intimate way.
Asperia tried to push the thought away, but it clung to her, like a shadow she couldn't escape.
She had seen Vex naked before—his body strong, every muscle defined and powerful.
And now, imagining that body against Maira's, moving with her, twisted a feeling inside her.
A sharp pang of jealousy mixed with discomfort she couldn't shake, like an ache deep in her bones.
Her chest felt tight, her breath shallow, each second stretching, the thought of him with Maira making her stomach twist painfully.
