(Audrey's POV)
My eyes grew slightly moist as I stared at Florian. Something scratched at the bottom of my heart, a dull pain that wouldn't subside. The weight of everything I'd been carrying—my spirit sickness, the search for him, those lonely nights in the Sunstone Territories—suddenly felt too heavy to bear alone.
"No, Florian, these past two years I've been—" I started, my voice faltering as I tried to find the courage to reveal everything.
"Never mind," he interrupted, flashing a shallow smile that didn't reach his eyes. His golden eyes were bloodshot, reflecting a pain so deep it made my chest ache. "Audrey Winter, I shouldn't have had any expectations of you."
His words struck me like a physical blow. I felt a sharp wound pierce my heart, and I fought desperately to keep the tears from spilling over. I wouldn't cry in front of him—not now, not when he thought so little of me.
"You're right," I said, the words tasting like ash in my mouth.
What was the point of explaining?
