Chapter 53 No More Running

• The silence between us is suffocating. The study is silent, save for the sound of the waves crashing in the distance, but even that is muted under the weight of Alaric's anger and my growing guilt. I already knew if Alaric ever found out, it would be devastating, but I did not know he would take it this hard.
• I cannot bring myself to meet his gaze. His stare is too raw, the pain and reflected in his eyes too potent, and with every passing second, the study only feels more suffocating.
• "Kyra." Alaric finally says. His voice is quieter now but no less demanding. "Explain it to me in a way I can understand... I need you to do that."