Whispers Before Dawn

Excerpt:

Each time Tae-ui reached his hand out toward Ilay, as soon as Ilay moved to grab it, Tae-ui pulled back, laughing softly.
"I expected better from you" Tae-ui teased, his grin growing wider.
Ilay remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he played along, following Tae-ui's movements.
"You can be faster" Tae-ui continued, his tone light.
Ilay said nothing, his expression growing more serious with each attempt.
Tae-ui chuckled. "Haha..."
"I'm not having fun" Ilay muttered, his voice flat.
"Why not?" Tae-ui asked, his amusement undeterred.
"I... stop doing it" Ilay replied, his tone firm.
"Why?" Tae-ui tilted his head, still grinning.