Chapter 39

Aisha's POV Memories of everything we had endured together swirled in my mind like a storm, his pain, his strength, the way he looked at me like I was something worth fighting for. The chaos, the danger, the nights we thought we wouldn't survive. And now… this moment. I swallowed hard, heart pounding. My voice trembled, but my nod was firm. "Yes." His eyes softened with relief like he'd been holding his breath for years and could finally exhale. Without another word, he raised his hand and sliced his palm open with a sharp silver blade from the nightstand. I gasped as the blood welled up. Thick. Crimson. Alive. He held it out to me, eyes never leaving mine. "Drink," he whispered. I hesitated for only a second before leaning forward. His skin was warm against my lips. The moment his blood touched my tongue, something ancient and primal awakened inside me. A jolt of power surged through my body, slamming into my chest like a bolt of lightning. The mindlink. His emotions hit me all at onc