Liv fell silent.
Jay's words still hung in the air heavy, pressing against her chest, as if they were not merely sounds, but a reality that had suddenly demanded to be acknowledged.
I can't live without you.
Liv's heart beat erratically. She did not cry right away, nor did she answer. There was only a long silence the silence of someone who had lived all this time believing she was alone, even when surrounded by others.
She looked at Jay. For the first time since time rewound, she did not see him as the stubborn Zelthar, nor as the man who chose her above all else, but as someone fragile standing before her without a shield.
"Do you…," Liv's voice was barely audible, her throat dry. "Do you realize what you just said?"
Jay did not look away. His eyes were red, his jaw tight, as if holding back something that had been locked away for too long.
"I do," he answered quietly but firmly. "And I've waited far too long to say it."
Liv shook her head slowly, her breath trembling.
