Freya‘s pov.

Our boots crunched against the damp undergrowth as we made our way deeper into the wild lands. Each step away from the castle, from Dorian, twisted something tight in my chest.

We were alone. Me and Arius. And too many thoughts.

At first, the silence was welcome. I needed it to think. But soon, the silence grew sharp. Heavy. I knew it would come. The questions. The bitterness. The regret.

"Why are you sighing so much?" Arius muttered, not even looking ...