Awful Memories

>>Aelin

I turned, horrified. "Uriel!"

Draegon exhaled slowly, dragging his gaze back up to my face. There was something unreadable in his expression, something restrained, but his purple eyes gleamed with something I couldn't quite place.

"You…" He finally spoke, his voice quieter than usual. "You look… different."

I swallowed. "I—I know," I muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

Uriel let out a satisfied hum. "Perfect. Now, off you go, Princess."

I wanted to protest. I wanted to run back into the room and change into something—anything—else.

But Draegon extended a hand toward me, his expression settling into something more neutral. "Let's go," he said, as if nothing about this situation was unusual.

My heart pounded as I stepped forward, reluctantly taking his hand. His fingers curled around mine, firm and steady. I followed the movement