Cain's breath caught in his throat.
For a moment, he did not move, did not think, did not even blink as her voice cut into him, sharp and cold, nothing like the quiet presence he had felt from her just seconds before.
"…Ivira…"
Her name came out rough, almost uncertain, as if saying it now carried weight he had not prepared himself for.
He opened his mouth again, trying to gather words, trying to explain, to say something that could reach her, but before anything could form—
She spoke again.
"I don't like you."
The words landed without hesitation.
No pause.
No doubt.
Just a clean, direct rejection that left no room for misunderstanding.
Cain froze.
"…What?"
Ivira's eyes narrowed, her gaze hard as she turned more fully toward him now, no longer just half-seen through the mist, but standing there clearly, her expression filled with something he had not expected to face.
"You heard me."
Her voice carried a sharp edge.
"I don't like you."
