Chapter 43: Unveiling the Past

The air in the hidden tavern was thick with the scent of smoke and aged whiskey. A low hum of voices murmured around us, punctuated by the occasional clink of glass and laughter from the darkened corners. This was Julian’s world.

I watched him from across the worn wooden table, the candle between us casting sharp shadows across his face. He looked relaxed, almost indifferent, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. But I could see it—the tension in his shoulders, the flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

He was waiting for me to speak first.

"Tell me," I said finally, my voice quiet but firm. "Who are you, Julian? Truly?"

He let out a breath, his gaze flicking toward the door as if considering escape.

But I wasn’t going to let him slip away this time.

"Why do you care, princess?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "You already know enough to realize I don’t belong in your world."

I leaned forward. "And yet, you keep stepping into mine."