Chapter 86

• Cesmae's POV
• The massive gates of the palace open as we approach, and the vast halls seem colder than usual, the dim lights of the corridor casting long shadows on the walls. There’s a strange silence that fills the space as we step inside, like the weight of our conversation is following us in, settling over everything.
• I start to turn toward my room, my thoughts still a swirling mix of Kylian’s pain and my own confusing emotions, but before I can make it far, Kylian’s hand wraps around my wrist, stopping me.