Days...

"You look a mess." His voice carried a trace of amusement, but his eyes betrayed his concern. Then his gaze flickered to my arm, his expression darkening.

"Let me see." He muttered, reaching for me. I flinched as he carefully turned my wrist, exposing the wound.

I gritted my teeth against the sting. "It's nothing."

"It's deep," he said flatly. "You need a doctor."

"It's not that bad." I pulled away, brushing past him. "It'll heal on its own."

Kaleb chuckled under his breath. "If only it were that simple."

"Whatever." I turned for the door.

"Iris." His voice turned sharp, halting me in my tracks.

I glanced back.

"What happened here… you must never speak of it to anyone." His eyes locked onto mine. "Not eve—"

"I won't." I cut him off. I already knew the truth. The villain's curse was a secret, buried deep. It wasn't a surprise.