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I push myself to my feet. “What?”
His gaze doesn’t waver. “Nothing.”
A disbelieving laugh slips out of me. “Oh, absolutely not. You don’t get to use their favorite word.”
The corner of his mouth twitches. “What?”
“You’re staring at me.”
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
My pulse skips.
“Why?”
His eyes hold mine. “You know why.”
My heart kicks harder.
Beneath my feet, the Earth answers.
Thump.
Malakai hears it.
I know he does because something changes in his face. The almost-smile disappears, and his gaze darkens as silence between us suddenly feels heavier.
I swallow.
“This isn’t the Harvest.”
“No.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
The certainty in his voice should make me feel better.
It doesn’t.
“How?”
For the first time, Malakai hesitates.
Not long. Just enough to make me hold my breath.
“Because I wanted you before it woke.”
The words hit me harder than they have any right to.
I take a step closer.
He doesn’t move.
“How long before?”
