Liv blinked, startled by the sudden edge in his voice. "I didn't mean—"
Jay cut her off. "Didn't mean to? You talk about something sacred to my kind as if it's nothing more than a simple connection."
Liv fell silent, his words sinking deep. Her hands tightened over her lap, trying to steady herself, but the tension in his tone pressed against her chest.
"I didn't mean to belittle it," she said softly, eyes downcast. "I just… wanted to understand. Because to me, all of this is still new."
Jay's gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained stern. "That bond is our lifeline, Liv. Once it's formed, it's not easily broken. And if it is… it's a betrayal that can't be forgiven."
Liv slowly lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes glimmering with confusion and quiet hurt. "I never meant to betray anyone," she whispered.
