Chapter 42

• I forced another awkward smile onto my face, realizing how silent I’d become the longer I sat there. I felt like a doll—a mere decoration brought to amuse them, or rather, to entertain Penrose specifically. I glanced at her, catching a flicker in her sharp eyes. It was unmistakable—a wicked idea had sparked in her mind.
• "One more thing, my dearest, strict brother... How is it that Thalassa has your ability?" she asked, her smirk curving with intrigue as her gaze locked onto Hadrian.
• “What?” I blurted, the words cutting through my haze, leaving me more alert than ever.