Bab 120: Madeline*

For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. Arabelle's amethyst eyes were wide, her usually calm expression betraying the rush of emotions swirling within her. Desire, confusion, and something deeper flickered behind her gaze as she stared up at him, her lips parted slightly.

Pyris leaned in just a fraction closer, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the pull between them, the magnetic force that was impossible to ignore.

But just before their lips could touch, Pyris stopped himself.

He wanted her to come to him.

Slowly, he pushed himself up, his body brushing against hers one last time before he stood, leaving Arabelle lying on the ground, breathless and dazed.

"I think that's enough for today," Pyris said, his voice low and smooth.

Arabelle blinked, still trying to process what had just happened. Her heart was racing, and her mind was a whirl of confusion and frustration. She had almost let him kiss her. She had almost given in.