Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 91 - Chapitre 95

Every smile disappeared. The atmosphere changed so abruptly that Aeryl felt it before she understood it.The Lycans straightened. Conversations ceased. And even Aramisius' teasing cousin lowered his hand from the prince's shoulder.A man strode through the marble archway as though he owned it. His robes were deep sapphire embroidered with silver falcons. A jeweled circlet rested carelessly upon dark hair, and a polished cane clicked against the marble with every measured step.His smile was elegant. His eyes were not.There was silence.Then, he laughed once. A dry, humorless sound."How extraordinary."His eyes settled upon Aramisius."I truly feared I might collapse from laughter..." He rested both hands upon the head of his cane. "...while watching the great Aramisius Knighte's resolve crumble before a woman."No one answered. Aeryl blinked.Did.... Did he just insult the Crown Prince of Theartera? Publicly? Before his own subjects?She instinctively glanced at Aramisius.Nothing.

Aeryl remained frozen. Aramisius' gaze only remained on the fountain as he continued his speech. Her heart pounded so violently she thought she might faint. Aramisius rose calmly and Aeryl looked at him in horror.Aramisius closed his eyes. When he finally spoke, his voice was almost weary."The sensible part of me does."He continued before she could speak."I hate what your existence has done. I hate what it demands of both of us. I hate the danger that follows you. And I hate..." His jaw tightened. "...how powerless I become whenever you're involved. I never wanted more responsibility."Aeryl didn't hear the rest. All she heard was—"The sensible part of me does."The world blurred and a sob escaped her. She covered her face with both hands and broke."I truly do hate you."The words settled heavily between them. Neither moved. The fountain continued to sing.Aeryl's tears slipped silently through her trembling fingers. She wanted to answer. She wanted to scream. She wanted to ask

The forest had become their home.Not because they wished it so.Because every village felt too dangerous to remain in.By the eighth day, exhaustion had settled into Rhea's bones. Every step hurt. Her knees ached constantly, and each morning it took longer for her old body to rise from the cold earth.That evening, they sheltered inside the ruins of an abandoned charcoal burner's hut.Half the roof had collapsed years ago.The remaining beams groaned whenever the wind passed through them.A tiny fire crackled between broken stones while Nizelda divided the last stale loaf of bread into careful pieces.She handed the larger half to Rhea.The old woman immediately broke it in two again."You eat."Nizelda sighed."You always do that.""I've lived longer.""So you deserve more.""I've eaten enough years."Nizelda smiled despite herself."You always say strange things."Rhea smiled faintly."Old people are permitted strange things."Silence settled between them.Only the fire spoke.Outs