Chapter 95

Syria’s POV

My uncle approached me slowly.

But I didn't back away.

Not this time.

“No.” I said.

“I don’t belong here.”

I stood tall with my chin up. My eyes locked with his.

I wasn’t afraid anymore.

The fear he used to instill in me, those quiet threats, the manipulation, the way he’d twist everything to make me feel small, it was gone.

“I’m here to end everything with you.”

Uncle didn’t flinch. He didn’t yell or react with the anger I expected.

He kept walking toward me until only a few feet remained between us. When he stopped right in front of me, he extended his hand, as if waiting for me to take it.

But I slap it away.

“Syria…”

“I’m not angry at you for ruining the marriage alliance,” his voice was calm and gentle.

But I’m not going to fall for it.

“In fact… I’m quite pleased to see you here again. I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

He began circling me slowly, like he was sizing me up.

I stayed still.

He clasped his hands behind his back, his footsteps quiet against the col