The moment Asmodeus pushed Valena toward Nerim, the heat clinging to his chest faded.
It felt strange.
It could have been because he missed her warmth, or maybe the tiny pulses running through their bond had not settled. Valena tried to bury them, yet each glance toward the covered box sent another shudder through her blood.
Her knees weakened, and she almost collapsed.
Asmodeus almost reached for her again, but Nerim stepped in first and caught the dragoness against her chest.
"Stand properly, lizard."
"Shut up, fish..."
Valena's voice lacked its usual bite.
Asmodeus noticed the change in her immediately.
The proud little dragon who loved arguing and acting fearless could barely lift her head. Her fingers clutched Nerim's sleeve while her tail curled tightly around her own leg, trembling as though it wanted to wrap around him again.
