Chapter 42 Seraphina

• Visiting Isolde is, without a doubt, the worst thing Caelum could have planned. The mere thought of spending time at his mother’s castle makes me nauseous. We’re supposed to be fixing what’s left of our marriage—or at least, that’s what he insists on believing. But to me, it’s all a farce. The idea of spending time together to “recover” what we’ve lost is unbearable. And out of all the places he could have chosen, he picks his mother’s castle?
• The conversation with Caelum in the bathroom still echoes in my mind. It was a close call—Caelum almost discovered Karin in our quarters. The memory of Karin lying in our bed still brings a malicious satisfaction to my heart. The truth is, I needed Karin far more than I’m willing to admit. When I called him, begging for his help, he didn’t hesitate; he didn’t turn me away. He came, simply. No one has ever done that for me—not like this, not with such unwavering devotion.
• The memories of our reunion in the Grimroot Forest flood my mind, so vivid I can almost smell the damp earth and hear the rustling leaves as the wind whispered through the decaying trees. It’s as if I’m back there, staring into those violet eyes that always made me feel desired in an intense, consuming way. He looked at me as if I were the only being in the world, and I relished it. The reverence in Karin’s bow when he saw me drew an involuntary laugh from me—something so rare these days.