Zephyra’s POV

His eyes darkened slightly, a mix of frustration and longing evident in his gaze. "Because it's the only thing I can offer you—the only thing I can give you that you need," he admitted, his voice tinged with desperation.

I met his gaze, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me as I shook my head slowly. "No, Lirael. It's not. I don't need your money or what it can buy me. A relationship isn't supposed to be transactional like that. It's about being with someone because you can't ...