Chapter 37: Alone in the Fire

Ella’s POV

The next morning felt quieter than usual. Noah had left early for a meeting with the Queen and Jasper, leaving me alone in our room. The silence pressed down on me, heavy and empty. Without him, everything felt too still.

My stomach growled, breaking the quiet. I hadn’t eaten breakfast yet. Noah had told me many times that I could eat whatever I wanted, that I didn’t need to worry about anyone judging me. But stepping into that kitchen alone ...