"Do you think I will listen to you?" he asks, leaning closer, his words dripping like poison. "You? Command me?" Her jaw tightens, but her body betrays her. The railing under her grip feels slippery, her fingers numb, her legs trembling uncontrollably. And then it happens. Her strength gives out. Her knees buckle. Her vision blurs. The railing slips from her grasp as her hand slides down cold stone. The world tilts, spinning into a haze of marble and golden eyes. She collapses slowly-first her knees weaken, then her shoulders slump, and finally her weight tips sideways. But she doesn't hit the floor. Zevran has been waiting. His arm snakes around her waist before gravity can claim her. His grip is firm, unyielding, catching her like fragile glass. Her head falls against his chest, hair clinging to his armor, her fevered skin burning against him. He looks down at her, lips parted, lashes heavy against flushed cheeks. So fragile. So breakable. And yet she shouted at him moments ago like she could bring him to his knees. Zevran exhales, amused, victorious. His smirk deepens as he tightens his hold. "See, sweetheart..." he murmurs, low and dangerous. "No matter how much you scream, no matter how much you fight me... you will always end up here." His eyes gleam with satisfaction as he lifts her trembling body. "In my arms." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The story of a healer and a killer. Dive in it.

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