Meeting

>>Aelin

"Come on," Ariston said gently, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. "Let's get you inside."

I turned to look at him. He had an apologetic look in his eyes

I nodded numbly, following him toward the estate. My heart felt heavy, my earlier excitement from the flight now all gone.

Saying he won't even come to the bedroom in front of other people made me ashamed. Why did it feel like he was pushing me away? Why did it feel like I was nothing more than a duty to him?

I swallowed hard, my hand instinctively reaching for the pendant he'd given me. There were mixed signals from his side and I wasn't sure how to respond or what to do.

As we entered the estate, I couldn't help but glance back toward the direction Draegon had gone, hoping—foolishly—that he might turn around and come see me.

But there was no sign of him now.