I stared out the carriage window, watching the ancient trees blur together as we passed. The rhythm of the wheels against the forest path matched my heartbeat—steady but heavy with tension.
Next to me, Landon Mercer sat in silence, his presence filling the small space between us like a storm cloud waiting to unleash its fury. I could feel his eyes occasionally drift to my profile, but I kept my gaze fixed on the passing wilderness, pretending not to notice.
This uncomfortable silence had stretched between us since we left the castle three days ago. The strain of my secrets weighed on me like chains, growing heavier with each passing mile. He knew I was hiding something, and his patience was wearing thin.
"Are you planning to ignore me the entire journey?" His deep voice finally broke through the quiet, startling me despite its softness.
I sighed, still not turning to face him. "I'm not ignoring you."
"Really? Because you've barely spoken ten words to me since we left."
