After Livia completely turns her back on him, his head bowed in quiet apology. She didn't look back. She couldn't. There is no reason to look at him.
Her steps were quick, almost hurried, as if putting distance between herself and Aldrake could erase the whirlwind he left behind.
The wind brushed against her face, carrying away some of the tension she couldn't yet name, but it didn't reach the tight knot in her chest.
When she finally reached the playground, she stopped. A long, shuddering breath escaped her, sharp and trembling.
She let out a deep sigh, hoping to release the heaviness—the confusion, the ache, the guilt, the longing—that she couldn't yet sort through.
Around her, the children laughed and squealed in delight, chasing each other in circles. She allowed herself a small, polite smile as she watched them, chasing a bouncing ball.
The warmth of their innocent energy reached her like a fleeting light, and for a moment, she thought she might actually feel… normal.
