"Don't touch me!"
Ezra's voice came out sharper than he intended. His hand shot up between them, palm outward, as if he were warding off an enemy instead of his prince.
Helios froze.
"Ezra…"
There was worry in his voice.
And something else.
Guilt.
"I don't know what came over me," Helios said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
He sounded sincere. Truly sincere. As if he genuinely had no idea what he had just done.
And Ezra knew that.
It was obvious Helios had not released his pheromones on purpose. He hadn't even seemed aware of it. He hadn't noticed Ezra struggling to breathe, knees buckling, vision dimming.
Because if he had—
He would have stopped immediately.
Ezra swallowed.
"I know," he whispered, voice rougher now. "I know you didn't mean to, Helios. But please… I just need a few minutes. Just please… do not get close."
Helios didn't argue.
He didn't step forward again.
But he didn't step back much either.
And Ezra could feel it.
That stare.
