The moment the others left the room, Roxanna leaned closer to Luan.
She whispered, "Don't bite."
Right after that, she gently pressed her lips against his. For a brief moment, the burning instinct inside him seemed to stop. His eyes widened as he stared at her, his racing thoughts falling silent beneath the warmth of her kiss.''
Roxanna didn't rush him. She simply held him there, one hand resting against his cheek while the other gently brushed through his dark hair.
"You don't have to fight alone anymore," she whispered when their lips parted. "I'm here."
Luan shut his eyes tightly. His breathing was still rough, and every muscle in his body trembled from the heat raging beneath his skin, but hearing her voice only made the guilt in his heart grow stronger.
"Why... are you still smiling at me?" His voice cracked. "I'm like this... and all I can think about is hurting you."
Luan took a deep breath, murmuring, "I hate this."
