Thalina's breath came fast, her mind spinning. The way Eryx was looking at her—like she was something rare, something to be devoured—made her insides twist.
But no. No way.
She refused to let her body betray her.
With sheer willpower, she shoved the feeling down, forcing herself to focus. "I don't care anymore," she muttered, throwing her hands up. "Just—just let me wash up in peace. Stay. Watch. I don't care. Just don't touch me."
Eryx blinked, as if mildly surprised. Then, that smirk returned. "Are you sure?"
She gritted her teeth. "Yes. Just go sit somewhere, coil yourself up, do whatever you do—just go away."
Eryx chuckled, low and amused, and for a terrifying second, she thought he'd refuse. But after a long pause, he finally sighed. "Fine."
Thalina exhaled in relief—until she saw where he went.
He slithered up onto a smooth rock, folded his arms, and leaned back like he was settling in for a show.
Her jaw dropped. "You—you're seriously just going to sit there?!"
