Jonah's POV

The air grows unbelievably heavy after my words, an oppressive veil of tension that seems impossible to lift. Jareth’s expression shifts, every muscle in his face tightening as if he’s biting into something unbearably bitter. There was a time when I would have crumpled under this look—would have apologized simply to avoid the discomfort.

But those days are gone. I refuse to let guilt or cowardice define me anymore. Not after everything my ...