Chapter 84:

I am not going to let him ignore me.

Cassidy's words ring in my ears as I march toward the kitchen, my determination burning hotter than the midday sun.

I've had enough of this silence, of the avoidance, of the way Caspian has been acting like our mating is some kind of minor inconvenience rather than a sacred bond.

If he won't come to me, then I'll go to him.

The kitchen is emptier than usual. The moment I step inside, the few maids lingering around lower their heads and shuffle away as if my presence alone is enough to terrify them.

It's not hard to figure out why. Aries chuckles darkly in my mind.

"I think they're scared of me," he muses.

"You think?" I scoff, surveying the room. Not a single soul dares to approach me.

Even Priscilla, the usual one who prepares our lunch trays, is nowhere to be found.

I exhale sharply. Fine. If they won't help, I'll do it myself.