Chapter 4

"You have to leave. Tonight." Gregory’s voice was low and urgent as he pressed the herbs onto my wound.

I was lying on the rough bed, every inch of my skin on fire. "Why are you helping me?" I asked, my voice weak.

"I saw the truth," he sighed. "Lyla and Seraphina have been scheming for ages. They’re out to completely sever your connection with Kaelen."

"They already have," I said with a bitter smile, my hand going to my chest—where I used to feel Kaelen, there was only a ripping pain now.

The door burst open, and Kaelen walked in. Gregory immediately tensed, jumping to his feet, but Kaelen just waved him out.

We were alone. The silence was a heavy, suffocating thing between us.

"Are you okay?" he finally asked, his voice laced with a hint of concern I almost didn't recognize.

"I'll live," I answered, my voice cold.

He took a few steps closer, his hand starting to reach for me before he pulled it back. "I... I shouldn't have let it get this bad."