ELIANA'S POV;
"I'll talk to Father. We can't leave Xavier there."
His words echoed in my mind, but they didn't silence the fear twisting in my chest.
Do not interfere.
Xavier's warning haunted me, like a chain around my ankle.
I wanted to go after him. I wanted to tear down the palace gates if I had to. But I couldn't.
I shouldn't.
And yet… he kissed you and you kissed back
That quiet voice inside me— the one I tried so hard to ignore— whispered again.
He kissed me, and then he walked away.
I clenched my fists.
I stayed with Alex until the sun began to stretch toward noon, but I couldn't take the stillness anymore. I had to move. I needed answers— even if I had to dig them out myself.
I left the room, heading straight for Princess Kiara.