Sacrifices

"You're hesitating."

Flora's voice cut like a blade through the silence. Adrian stood at the edge of the clearing, his fists clenched, his jaw tight. It was thick with tension; the weight of his decision pressed down on him like a storm, threatening to break loose.

"I'm not," he finally said, though even he didn't believe the words.

Flora took another step in closer. "Yes, you are."

Adrian turned to her; eyes dark, unreadable. "You don't understand."

Flora's face ...