When she remained still, motionless beneath his foot, he finally lifted his weight, stepping back from her prone form.
Seraphina rose slowly, pushing herself up from the crater with deliberate, measured movements, turning to face him.
Her crystal-blue eyes were empty of the faint warmth they had carried earlier in Benjamin's presence, devoid of the gentle affection.
They were the eyes of a woman worn down to the bone, hollow, exhausted, and deeply depressed, the light behind them reduced to a cold, distant glimmer that barely reflected the glow of the magma.
"Ugh… It's been a while since you looked at anyone that way, with such coldness and distance." Renard stepped back into the lava pool, the magma welcoming him with a soft hiss, and drew the silent woman into his arms from behind, settling her against his chest with surprising gentleness. "I insist... Tell me what's bothering you, what has drained the life from your eyes, and has you so withdrawn."
