ELIAS VERNAL
She was guarding herself against me.
I could see it in her eyes. I understood everything. Bitterness flooded my heart. "Serenity, does it have to be like this?"
"I don't know what you mean."
I took a breath and noticed Arian in Serenity's arms. What I needed to say wasn't something he should hear. I had Herman take him back to his room.
Serenity didn't stop him.
Arian's small arms clung tightly to Serenity's neck. He asked anxiously, "Are you fighting?"
"No, we're not fighting. We just need to discuss something important. Can you wait by yourself like a good boy?"
"Will I get to see you again?"
"Yes. Definitely."
The tenderness in her voice made my chest tighten with jealousy.
After Herman took Arian away, she turned to face me. All that warmth vanished. Her eyes held no emotion—only cold detachment. "Say whatever you need to say. Then let me leave!"
