Chapter 68

• Hadrian and Caspian fixed their gazes on me, their anticipation thick in the air, waiting for my response. But how could I react when my emotions were at war? Part of me leapt with joy, knowing I had something precious to offer Hadrian. The other half, however, screamed in protest, dragging me back to memories of being in a similar situation. I despised the thought of being reduced to an object, a priceless possession in someone’s eyes. Owners didn’t fall in love with their “things,” no matter how valuable. In that moment, I felt like nothing more than a literal blood bag.
• "Wow... never thought I’d end up as someone’s energy drink," I muttered bitterly, a faint, humorless smile curling my lips.
• "Thalassa..." Caspian exhaled, his hands extending in a gentle attempt to soothe me. "That’s not—"