Dravina POV

“Please…”

Malrik’s voice came out low, roughened by a vulnerability he rarely allowed. “Don’t run from me.”

His grip tightened on my hands; his heat seeped through my skin as though his touch could tether me to him. “Not as some frantic bid to protect me.” His thumb stroked my knuckles slow, pleading. “Because if you do…” The words splintered, breath shallow. “I will search for you, Dravina.”

His eyes burned unyielding, fierce. “I will find ...