Nina gave a helpless little smile. "I won't punish you anymore. My mates have already done that for me—let's just consider this matter settled. Don't dwell on it."
"But…" Idir hesitated, his voice low. "That punishment is far too light. You should… punish me again."
To him, this was getting off too easily. For a mistake of this magnitude, such a consequence felt wholly insufficient.
"It wasn't entirely your fault," Nina said gently. "Let's leave it at that."
After all, he had been out of control—and her mates had already vented their anger.
Idir lowered his gaze. "…Alright."
He shouldn't cling any longer.
Leaving her… would be the greatest punishment of all.
A deep reluctance welled up inside him.
Was he really about to lose her so soon?
"Then… get some rest. I'll go back first."
Nina stood and walked toward the door.
Idir watched her retreating figure in silence, his eyes filled with longing.
The moment the door closed, he shut his eyes, pain tightening in his chest.
