He hadn't seemed to intend to acknowledge me, but when his gaze swept casually over the photographs and gifts piled in the bin, his expression darkened sharply and his brows drew tight together.
I acted as if I hadn't seen him and turned to leave.
"Hazel Ashvale."
He called out, stopping me.
"Why did you throw all of this away? If I remember correctly, these were your memories with my brother."
I stopped mid-step, a cold laugh rising inside me. When I turned around, my face was still calm.
"It's been so long. I should move on."
"Move on?"
His expression changed sharply, and he reached out almost reflexively, his fingers closing around my wrist.
"What do you mean by that?"
A sting of pain shot through my wrist. I frowned and wrenched free. "Let go. You're hurting me."
The moment I pulled away, he seemed to realize he'd lost composure. After all, right now he was supposed to be the younger brother, "Caelan Nightfang," and nothing more.
He forced his emotions down, though his jaw stayed tight. His voice dropped low. "You're leaving?"
I met his gaze head-on, unflinching, as though I could see straight through him.
"What, you don't want me to go?"