She had thought… that he might actually feel something for her.
Idir's fingers pressed harder into his palm. "Yes," he answered in a low voice.
Blood seeped from his grip, but he didn't seem to notice.
The pain in his hand was nothing—nothing compared to the ache in his heart.
Nina fell silent for a moment. "…Then we'll do as you say."
It seemed she had overthought everything. If that was what he wanted, then she would respect his choice.
"Mmhm." Idir forced himself to suppress the overwhelming urge to take it back. "Nina, I'll take you back to the Barbarian City first. When we return… you can punish me however you wish."
After he accepted her punishment… It would be time for him to leave.
The curse had already flared once. Though it was suppressed for now, there was no telling when it would erupt again. He couldn't stay by her side any longer.
"Nina… do you want to wait here, or should I take you directly to your mates?" he asked.
