21. (DANE POV)

(DANE POV)

Her next observation caught me off guard, sparking a burst of laughter that resonated through the silent expanse of our connection. "Well, it's far more empty in here than I thought it would be," she remarked, a playful jab at the vast, uncluttered landscape of my mind.

Laughing together, we returned to the present, our eyes meeting in mutual amusement. I pierced my finger once more and extended it to her. "I didn't know you could do this," she said, a smile lighting up her face.

"Years of practice, kitten," I replied. "Now, like I said, take it slow, okay?"

Once more, we retreated into the sanctuary of my mind, her curiosity undimmed. "Is it always just white?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping across the endless expanse.

"No, it's not always white. I'm just not showing you anything yet. I was hoping to see some of yours first," I admitted, the idea of exploring her memories, fears, and joys an intimate prospect.

"You can see in my mind, too?" Her surprise was evident, matc