Kylo gritted his teeth, surging forward and grabbing her around the throat. He brought her face to his, his breath hot on her mouth. He let her go almost immediately, but did not distance himself; his hand lingered near her throat, the touch suddenly far more tender.

"Join me," he said, almost pleading. Her unflinching gaze was a fire, bright and dancing and all consuming. There was sadness in it, but other things as well: want, and need, and darkness she could not allow herself to dwell upon. She took a single step back; his hand remained in place, aching for what it had touched.

"No," she repeated. "You don't have to be so afraid. We don't have to be so alone. You know that, too."

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