"It's not safe to take her with us."
The next day, he tried to convince the king and queen to change their minds about bringing Ana along.
But no matter how hard he pushed, they kept repeating the same thing—
"She'll be fine."
"She'll be safe."
It was starting to frustrate him.
Then the door creaked open.
Ana stepped inside.
Quiet—so quiet Sylas barely noticed her at first.
The soft look she'd worn these past few weeks vanished the moment their eyes met.
It was gone and replaced by something cold.
Silent.
"How much did you hear?"
The words slipped out, softer than he intended—because the way she looked at him didn't spark fear… it felt like death, quiet and cold, like he no longer existed in her eyes.
Her eyes cut through him. Sharp. Steady.
She walked past the king and queen, stopped beside him—then kicked him in the shin and ran out of the room.
His eyes never left hers.
And as she ran out, he caught it—her eyes, wet with tears.
Only then did it hit him.
