rld and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

The truth is revealed?

Chapter 23 recap

I glance at Lorien again, his steady breathing filling the quiet room, and I feel a pang of guilt. He deserves to know. About Shade. About everything.

First thing in the morning, I tell myself firmly. I’ll tell him everything. I’ll tell him I want to be with him… and I’ll tell him about Shade.

Shade stirs in my mind, his voice calm but with a faint trace of amusement. “Bold move. And if he freaks out?”

“Then at least I’ll know,” I think back, my chest tightening. “I’d rather risk it than keep lying to him. He deserves the truth.”

“Fair enough,” Shade says, his voice quiet now. “But for what it’s worth, I don’t think he’ll run. The guy’s clearly all in. He followed you through this all didn’t he?”

I swallow hard, taking a deep breath. I have to believe he’ll understand. That he’ll still want to stay with me, even after knowing what I’ve been hiding.

Curling up slightly, I close my eyes and try to calm my racing thoughts. Tomorrow, I’ll lay everything out. Whatever happens, happens.

For now, I let myself rest, feeling the warmth of Lorien next to me and hoping that, somehow, this will all work out.

Chapter 24

When I wake, it’s not quite what I expected. His lips are on mine, warm and firm, his tongue slipping into my mouth, mirroring the way I’d kissed him yesterday morning. His arms are wrapped around me, holding me close like I’m the only thing keeping him anchored.

For a split second, I freeze, my mind struggling to process what’s happening. This is real… isn’t it?

I should stop him. I should pull back, but my body refuses to listen. Instead, I melt into him, my heart pounding in my chest, the warmth of his kiss chasing away the cold thoughts that plagued me all night.

His hand moves to my cheek, brushing it softly as the kiss deepens. I feel the heat rushing to my face, a mixture of embarrassment, confusion, and a longing I can’t suppress.

This isn’t fair, I think, my thoughts a whirlwind. I was supposed to talk to him first. I was supposed to control this moment, not get caught in it like this.

But despite all of that, I don’t pull away. Instead, I find myself kissing him back, my hands gripping his shirt as if afraid to let go.

When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine, his breathing uneven. “Morning,” he murmurs, his voice low and soft.

I open my mouth to say something, but the words won’t come. My thoughts are too jumbled, my emotions too raw. All I can do is stare at him, my heart still racing.

The warmth of his kiss lingers, and with it comes the same burning need that overwhelmed me before. My chest tightens as the thought crosses my mind, unbidden and almost impossible to shake: If he doesn’t react well to what I have to tell him… this might be the only chance for it to happen.

My face flushes hot, and I immediately try to push the thought away. Am I really thinking that? For real?

I bite my lip, my heart pounding as I look at Lorien. He’s staring at me, his expression soft but full of something deeper—love, trust, and a vulnerability that twists my emotions even further.

“Artemis,” he says gently, his hand brushing against my cheek. “Are you okay? You look… I don’t know, lost.”

Lost, I think bitterly. That’s one way to describe it.

“Yeah,” I say quickly, forcing a small smile. “Just… still waking up.”

His eyes linger on mine, as if searching for something. “If there’s something on your mind,” he says softly, “you can tell me.”

I feel my chest tighten again, the weight of the truth I’ve been hiding pressing harder than ever. The guilt, the uncertainty… and now, this growing heat, this moment between us. It’s all too much.

“Lorien,” I whisper, my voice trembling. Am I really about to say it? About to tell him everything?

Just as I’m about to speak, Lorien cuts me off, his lips curving into a small, sheepish smile. “Sorry,” he says softly, his hand still brushing against my cheek. “I just… thought it was only fair I get to wake you like that too.”

His words hit me like a wave, and I blink up at him, completely thrown.

“You—what?” I stammer, the heat rushing to my face.

He chuckles lightly, the sound low and warm. “Yesterday morning,” he explains, his voice gentle. “I figured you deserved a little payback. But… if I overstepped, I’m sorry.”

I stare at him, my mind racing. Payback. That’s what this was. Just a playful little moment to even the score. Yet, the way he’s looking at me, the way my heart’s pounding—it feels like so much more.

I manage a shaky laugh, trying to ease the tension. “So, what… this is how we’re waking each other up now?”

His smile softens, and he leans in slightly, his forehead brushing against mine. “Only if you’re okay with it,” he murmurs.

My chest tightens, the mix of emotions swirling inside me making it hard to breathe. How does he make something so simple feel so overwhelming?

“I…” My voice falters, and I glance away for a moment before looking back at him. “I guess I can’t really complain.”

His smile widens slightly, and he leans back, giving me a bit of space. “Good,” he says softly. “Because I kind of like it.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, my mind still spinning. How am I supposed to tell him everything now?

Do I really want to ruin this moment right now? I think, staring into his warm, steady eyes. The way he’s looking at me, like I’m the only thing that matters, makes my chest ache.

“Lorien,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I try to push through the whirlwind in my mind. “I think… I do want to be with you.”

His expression softens even more, and a quiet smile spreads across his face. “You… do?” he asks, his voice careful, like he’s afraid of pushing too hard.

I nod slowly, my heart pounding. “Yeah,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I’m scared. There’s so much I don’t know, and I’m still trying to figure out what’s next, but… I know I want to be with you. I just do.”

He exhales softly, his shoulders relaxing as if a weight has been lifted off of him. “Artemis,” he says, reaching out to take my hand. “I’ve wanted to hear you say that for so long.”

I glance down at our hands, my fingers trembling slightly in his. “I’m not perfect,” I say, my voice wavering. “I’ve made mistakes, there’s thing I haven’t told you… but if you’re really sure about this, about me, then… I want to try.”

His thumb brushes over the back of my hand, his smile growing warmer. “I’m sure,” he says quietly, his voice steady. “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

I feel my heart tighten, my chest filling with both relief and a quiet, overwhelming joy. For the first time in what feels like forever, the uncertainty fades, even if just for a moment.

I squeeze his hand gently, glancing up at him. “Thank you,” I whisper. “For… everything.”

He leans in slightly, his forehead brushing against mine. “We’ll figure it all out together,” he says softly. “No matter what.”

Before I can say anything else, Lorien leans in and kisses me again. His lips are warm and gentle, yet there’s something deeper in the way he holds me—something unshakable.

I feel his arms wrap around me, pulling me close, and for a moment, the world falls away. The weight of the castle, the trials, the fears—all of it melts into the background as his kiss takes over my senses.

I let myself relax into him, my hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as if holding on to something solid in the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

When we finally break apart, his forehead rests against mine, and I can feel his breath against my skin. “I love you,” he whispers, his voice steady and full of certainty.

I look up at him, my heart pounding. “I love you too,” I whisper back, the words spilling out before I can stop them.

Lorien’s lips meet mine again, and this time, it’s deeper, more intense. His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer until our bodies are pressed together, his warmth overwhelming in the best way.

My hands move on their own, sliding up to his chest as I lean into him. Every thought, every doubt, every fear I’ve been holding onto disappears in the way he holds me—steady, safe, and completely sure.

His hand moves gently to the small of my back, and I shiver under his touch, a wave of heat rushing through me. The way he kisses me, the way he holds me, it’s like he’s trying to tell me something without words—something I can’t help but feel in every inch of me.

I press closer, my heart pounding in my chest as I get lost in the moment, in him, letting everything else fade away.

I feel Lorien’s hands move against my back, his fingers brushing against the clasp of my tunic. The motion is slow, hesitant, as if he’s giving me every chance to stop him.

He pauses, pulling back just enough to look at me, his eyes searching mine. There’s no pressure in his gaze, only care and a silent question: Is this okay?

I swallow hard, my chest rising and falling with shaky breaths. My cheeks burn, but I manage a small nod, my heart pounding.

That’s all he needs. His hands continue, undoing the clasp, but he moves carefully, almost reverently. I lean forward, kissing him again, my hands moving up to tangle in his hair as I let myself fall deeper into the moment.

Lorien’s hands move with care, sliding my tunic off my shoulders until it falls away completely, leaving my chest bare. The cool air brushes against my skin, sending a shiver through me, but his warmth is quick to chase it away as his arms wrap around me again.

He pauses, his eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, the intensity of his gaze makes me feel completely vulnerable. But there’s no judgment there, no hesitation—only care, admiration, and love.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

My cheeks flush, and I glance away, feeling both exposed and safe all at once. “Lorien…” I whisper, not even sure what I want to say.

He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder, then my collarbone, his lips trailing softly against my skin. Every touch sends warmth radiating through me, and I can feel my heart racing as I grip his shirt tightly, pulling him closer.

Am I really letting this happen? For real this time?

I can feel his body pressed against mine, the heat radiating from him is impossible to ignore. Even through our clothes, I’m acutely aware of him, and it sends a rush of nervousness and excitement through me all at once.

His hand moves gently to my chest, his touch soft and deliberate, as if he’s testing every motion to make sure it’s okay. His fingers brush against me, and the sensation sends a wave of warmth coursing through me, leaving me breathless.

“Artemis…” he murmurs, his voice low and filled with emotion.

I don’t respond right away, unsure if I even can. My mind is racing, a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that I can’t quite make sense of. But as he looks at me, his expression full of care and reverence, I realize that I don’t feel scared.

Lorien pulls back slightly, his hands resting gently on my sides as his eyes meet mine again. There’s no pressure in his expression, only care, and his voice is soft when he speaks. “Do… you want to do this? We—we don’t have to.”

I hesitate, my mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. Am I ready? Do I even know what I’m doing?

But as I look at him—his steady gaze, his patience, the way he’s holding himself back to make sure I’m okay—I feel a strange sense of clarity. I don’t know if I’m ready, not really, but I do know I trust him.

“I…” I start, my voice trembling slightly. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to push the doubt aside before it can take over. “Yes,” I say quietly, nodding my head.

He watches me carefully, searching my face for any hesitation. “Are you sure?” he asks softly, his hand brushing against my cheek.

“Yes,” I repeat, my voice steadier this time. “I want to… with you.”

For a moment, he doesn’t move, as if giving me one last chance to change my mind. When I don’t, he leans forward, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. His arms wrap around me, holding me close, and I let myself sink into the moment, not letting my mind overthink it anymore.

This is really happening, I think, my heart pounding in my chest as our lips meet again.

Our clothes are pulled off and tossed aside carelessly, the cool air brushing against my skin and sending a shiver through me. But his warmth quickly replaces it, his touch gentle and deliberate.

His hands move slowly, deliberately, tracing across my body as if he’s committing every inch of me to memory. The tenderness in his touch sends a warmth through me that I can’t describe. It’s almost overwhelming, but I don’t pull away.

I find myself mirroring his movements, letting my hands explore him in return. My fingers trail across his chest, his shoulders, his back, feeling every curve and edge as I try to steady my racing heart.

Neither of us says a word, the silence filled with nothing but the sound of our breathing. There’s a softness to the moment, a care in the way we touch each other, as if we’re discovering something new together.

“I’m ready,” I whisper, my voice trembling but certain.

Lorien looks at me, his gaze filled with both care and longing. For a moment, he hesitates, as if giving me one last chance to change my mind. But when I don’t, when I meet his eyes with the same determination, he leans in, kissing me softly.

I can feel my body aching, every nerve alight as I press closer to him. There’s a heat building between us, undeniable and overwhelming. My skin feels flushed, and the wetness between my legs makes it impossible to ignore how much I want this.

He moves carefully, his hands trailing over me like I’m something fragile, and I can’t help but melt under his touch. This is what I want—what I’ve been yearning for.

As he leans down, his lips brushing against my neck, I let out a shaky breath, my body trembling with anticipation. This is it. This is real.

My first time… it’s happening right now, and I can’t imagine anyone better for it to be with.

As I feel him press into me, my mind goes completely blank, every coherent thought swept away by the overwhelming sensation. My body trembles, my breath catching as I let out a shaky, involuntary moan.

“Oh god,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper, laced with both surprise and longing.

Every touch, every movement feels so much more than I ever imagined it could be.

It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted, and all I can focus on is him—Lorien—making me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before.

If I hadn’t already decided I wanted to be with him, this certainly would’ve made it easier.

Our bodies move together in a rhythm that feels natural, almost instinctive, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

How could I ever leave this? Leave him?

His name escapes my lips in a breathless whisper, and he responds with a softness that makes my heart ache in the best way. Everything about this feels right, like it’s where I’m meant to be. With him.

This is my life now. He is my life.

“Ohhh, Lorien,” I moan softly, the sound escaping before I can even think about it.

His name feels natural on my lips, like it’s meant to be there, just as much as he’s meant to be here with me. His member moves inside me, his voice murmuring my name in return, low and full of emotion.

I cling to him, feeling his warmth, his presence, and letting it consume me. There’s no more fear, no hesitation.

The repeated movements, the steady rhythm of his thrusts, make it impossible to think, impossible to even breathe. He’s all I see, all I feel, all I taste.

Every touch of his hands on my skin, every sound—it’s overwhelming in the best way. My body responds instinctively, meeting his movements, and it feels like the world has narrowed to just the two of us.

“Lorien…” I whisper again, my voice trembling, full of need.

He leans down, his lips brushing against mine, like nothing else matters.

“Artemis,” he moans, his voice strained and trembling. “I’m gonna… I’m gonna—”

The intensity of his voice, the way he holds me tighter, sends a shiver through my whole body. I can feel his movements becoming less controlled, more desperate, and it makes my heart race even faster.

“Lorien,” I whisper breathlessly, clinging to him as it builds, overwhelming and consuming us both. My body trembles, my mind blank except for him, and I let myself completely give in.

And then it’s over, the moment reaching its peak with an intensity that leaves us both trembling. A climactic finish that takes every ounce of energy from me, leaving me breathless and overwhelmed.

We collapse together, our bodies tangled as we lay there gasping for breath. The room is silent except for the sound of our heavy breathing, and the warmth of his skin pressed against mine is the only thing grounding me.

For a moment, I don’t move, my heart pounding as I try to process everything. My body feels weightless, and my mind is blank, but there’s a strange sense of calm washing over me now.

Lorien shifts slightly, his arms wrapping around me as he pulls me closer.

We lay there, tangled together, his arms wrapped around me as I rest my head against his chest. The steady rise and fall of his breathing is the only sound, and I close my eyes, trying to process everything.

I can’t believe that just really happened.

His fingers gently trace circles on my back, and I feel a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the heat of the moment before. It’s comfort, safety—something I didn’t think I’d ever have.

“Artemis,” he murmurs softly, his voice still carrying the tenderness of everything we just shared.

I lift my head slightly, meeting his gaze. He’s looking at me like I’m the only person in the world, and it makes my heart ache in the best way.

“Yeah?” I whisper, my voice barely steady.

He smiles, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I love you.”

The words hit me with the same intensity as the first time he said them, and I can’t help but smile back. “I love you too,” I say softly, leaning into him again.

“I hate to ruin the moment,” I hear Shade say, his tone dripping with amusement, “but don’t you have a secret you were planning on telling?”

I freeze slightly, my body tensing as the words cut through the warmth of the moment.

“Shade, not now,” I think back, trying to keep my expression neutral as I lay against Lorien.

“Oh, sure,” Shade says, his voice almost mockingly patient. “Wait until later, when it’s even more awkward. Great plan.”

I grit my teeth. “I said not now. I’ll tell him… just… not right this second.”

“You’re stalling,” he replies smoothly. “But hey, no pressure. I’m sure your boyfriend won’t mind knowing you’ve been hiding a living shadow in your head for weeks. Oh, wait—he might.”

I swallow hard, Lorien shifting slightly beneath me as if sensing something’s off. “Artemis?” he asks softly, brushing his hand along my back. “You okay?”

I pull back slightly, forcing a small smile as I meet his concerned gaze. “Yeah,” I say quickly. “I’m fine.”

Shade chuckles in the back of my mind. “Sure you are. Fine as ever.”

I close my eyes, letting out a slow breath as I press my head against Lorien’s chest. His warmth, his steady heartbeat—it’s grounding, comforting, and yet my thoughts won’t stop racing.

His hand gently rubs my back, and I feel him shift slightly to hold me closer. “You sure you’re okay?” he murmurs, his voice soft, but I can hear the worry in it.

“Yeah,” I whisper against him, though my voice wavers. “Just… tired.”

Shade’s voice hums in the back of my mind, quieter now but no less persistent. “You can’t bury it forever, you know. He deserves the truth, especially now.”

“I know,” I think back, my chest tightening. “I just need a moment. Please.”

Lorien doesn’t push, just holds me close, his hand never stopping its slow, soothing motion on my back. I cling to him, hoping the silence between us will drown out the storm in my mind.

This all progressed so fast.

The thought swirls in my head as I lay against Lorien, his arms wrapped around me. I went from a guy with no interest whatsoever in guys to… this. A girl who’s not only fallen in love but just slept with a guy. All in under a month.

It’s overwhelming when I really think about it, how much has changed, how much I’ve changed. It’s a lot—almost too much—but as I press closer to Lorien, feeling his warmth, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, I can’t help but feel… at peace.

I can’t believe I’m thinking this, I admit to myself, but I’m glad it happened.

I’ve never felt like this before. Back in the real world, I was always so closed off, guarded, like nothing could ever touch me. But here… with him…

I’ve never been this at peace, this happy.

I let out a soft sigh, my lips brushing against his chest as I close my eyes. For once, I’m not overthinking or doubting every little thing.

I think I’m done fighting how I feel.

I’ve spent so much time wrestling with it, pushing it down, telling myself I’m supposed to feel a certain way because of who I was before. But the truth is, that doesn’t matter anymore. Who I was… it feels so distant now, like a faded memory of someone I don’t really recognize.

It might be hard, I admit to myself. But who cares what I was before, when I’m happier now?

I glance up at Lorien, his peaceful face so close to mine, and I feel my heart swell. He’s part of that happiness. He’s part of why I’ve stopped feeling so lost, so broken.

The real world was filled with doubt, disappointment, and loneliness. But here… here, I’ve found something worth holding on to. Someone worth holding on to.

I smile softly, pressing my forehead against his chest. This is who I am now. And I’m okay with that.

The bed feels so warm, the lingering heat from what we just shared wrapping around us like a cocoon. I never want to get up-it's too perfect, too cozy.

Our unclothed bodies are pressed together, my head resting against his chest, and his arms hold me like he never wants to let go.

His breathing is steady, calm, and I can feel the rise and fall of his chest beneath me. It's soothing.

I close my eyes, letting out a soft sigh.
Everything feels so peaceful, so right, and for once, I don't want to think about what comes next.
I just want to stay here, in this warmth, in his arms, where everything feels simple and safe.

The world outside can wait. Right now, it's just us.

“Lorien! Artemis!” I hear Kaida’s voice echoing down the hall as she calls out. “Time to get up and get moving!”

Oh crap. My heart leaps into my throat as the sound of her footsteps grows louder, coming closer.

I glance around the room in a panic. The disheveled state of the bed, the clothes strewn carelessly across the floor, and our messy hair—it all screams exactly what happened.

It would’ve been bad enough if she found us just sleeping in the same bed, but this? This would be impossible to explain.

“Lorien!” I whisper urgently, grabbing his arm and shaking him slightly. “Get dressed, quick! Kaida is looking for us!”

His eyes widen as he processes the situation, and he immediately starts moving, grabbing his clothes off the floor. I scramble out of the bed as well, hastily pulling on my tunic and smoothing my hair as best as I can.

The footsteps are getting closer, and I’m frantically trying to make the room look somewhat presentable. “Come on, come on,” I mutter under my breath, throwing his shirt at him as he struggles to pull his pants on.

Kaida’s voice rings out again, closer this time. “Where are you two? Don’t tell me you’re still sleeping!”

My face burns as I straighten myself as much as possible, praying she doesn’t open the door before we’re ready. This is not how I wanted to start the morning.

And then it happens.

Before we’re even halfway decent, the door swings open, and there’s Kaida, standing in the doorway with wide eyes.

“Oh—OH!” she yelps, immediately covering her face with her hands and spinning around. “I didn’t—oh my god, I’m so sorry!”

The door slams shut just as quickly as it opened, her muffled voice barely audible from the other side. “I didn’t see anything! I swear! Well, okay, I saw a little, but I—oh my god—just… take your time, but hurry up!”

I freeze, my face burning so hot I’m pretty sure it could rival one of Kaida’s fireballs. Lorien groans softly beside me, running a hand down his face as he mutters, “Well… that’s one way to start the day.”

“Lorien!” I hiss, scrambling to finish getting dressed, my hands fumbling as I try to smooth out my tunic. “This is so embarrassing!”

“I mean,” Lorien starts, his voice calm as he tugs on his shirt, “she already knew we were together. And honestly, I’m pretty sure the others have figured it out by now, too.”

“That’s a bit different than her knowing we did this!” I hiss, my face still burning as I shove my boots on.

He gives me a small, amused smile, stepping closer as he straightens his tunic. “Maybe, but it’s not like she’s going to announce it to the whole group. Kaida loves teasing, but she’s not that cruel.”

“Yeah, well, it still feels like we got caught with a giant spotlight on us,” I mutter, crossing my arms and glancing toward the door, where I can still hear Kaida pacing in the hallway.

“She’ll get over it,” Lorien says softly, brushing his fingers against mine in a quick, comforting gesture. “And if she doesn’t, we’ll remind her she’s the one who barged in.”

I glare at him halfheartedly, though his calm demeanor is making it hard to stay mad. “You’re way too relaxed about this.”

He chuckles, leaning in slightly. “What can I say? I’m just happy I get to be with you.”

I roll my eyes, though I can’t help the small smile that creeps onto my face.

I crack the door open just enough to see Kaida still pacing in the hall, her face flushed as she mumbles to herself. “Kaida! Get in here, now!” I whisper-shout, motioning for her to hurry.

She jumps, startled, before quickly slipping into the room, her hands still over her face. “Okay, okay, I’m here! I didn’t see anything else, I swear!”

I shut the door behind her and turn to glare, my face still burning. “Please—please—don’t say anything about this to the others. I do not need Veyron knowing about this!”

Kaida peeks through her fingers, lowering her hands just enough to give me a wide-eyed, innocent look. “Who, me? I would never say anything. Why would I even—”

“Kaida,” I interrupt, narrowing my eyes. “I’m serious. Not a word.”

She presses her lips together, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. My lips are sealed. But, uh…” She gives me a sly grin, her embarrassment already fading. “This is so much better than just cuddling for warmth, huh?”

“Kaida!” I groan, burying my face in my hands.

Lorien chuckles softly from behind me, and I can feel the heat rushing back to my face. Kaida just laughs, clearly enjoying my misery. “Relax, Artemis. Your secret’s safe with me. But you two might want to work on locking doors in the future.”

I glare at her, but she just shrugs, the grin never leaving her face. This is going to haunt me forever isn’t it.

“Soooo,” Kaida says, drawing out the word as she tries—and fails—to suppress her laughter. “How was it?”

“KAIDA!” I shout, my face somehow turning an even deeper shade of red.

“What?” she says, throwing her hands up in mock innocence, though her grin gives her away. “I’m just asking! I mean, you seem really close now, so I’m guessing it went pretty well…”

“Out! Get out!” I groan, pointing to the door, my hands trembling slightly from both embarrassment and frustration.

Kaida bursts into laughter, doubling over slightly as she waves her hands in front of her. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop! But come on, you can’t blame me for being curious. I’ve never seen you this flustered!”

“You’re making it worse,” Lorien says, though he’s chuckling softly himself, which does not help.

Kaida smirks, clearly enjoying every second of this. “Fine, fine, I’ll go… but you owe me details later, Artemis!”

“Out!” I yell again, practically shoving her toward the door as she laughs her way out of the room.

As the door closes behind her, I lean back against it, covering my face with my hands. “I’m going to die of embarrassment,” I mutter.

Lorien steps closer, gently pulling my hands away from my face. “She’s just teasing,” he says softly, his smile reassuring. “It’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad?” I glare at him half-heartedly. “You don’t have to deal with her constant prying!”

He chuckles, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re cute when you’re flustered, you know.”

Of course Lorien wouldn’t be bothered by someone finding out, I think, groaning inwardly. He’s a guy. This is nothing to him.

Shade’s voice slides into my mind, his tone as smug as ever. “You certainly wouldn’t have been bothered back when you were a guy.”

“Oh, great,” I think back bitterly. “I forgot you’ve been watching all of this, huh?”

“Don’t worry,” Shade replies, almost too casually. “I chose to ignore it for you. You’re welcome.”

“Yeah, sure,” I shoot back sarcastically, rolling my eyes slightly. “Thanks for the privacy, Shade.”

He chuckles softly, his presence faint but still irritating. “I’m just saying, you’ve got bigger things to worry about than what Kaida thinks. Maybe focus on, you know, your impending choice between worlds?”

I sigh, pressing my forehead against Lorien’s chest as he strokes my back gently. “I’ll deal with it later,” I think, pushing Shade’s voice to the back of my mind.

“And of course,” Shade says, his voice cutting through my thoughts, “you still have to tell him about me. Even though you told him you want to be with him.”

I flinch slightly, biting my lip. “I know, Shade,” I think back, my frustration bubbling up. “You don’t have to remind me every five minutes.”

“Well, clearly I do,” he replies, his tone both smug and exasperated. “Because every time you get close to telling him, you pull back. Don’t think I didn’t notice this morning.”

I close my eyes, sighing deeply as Lorien pulls back slightly to look at me, concern flickering in his gaze. “You okay?” he asks gently, his hand brushing against mine.

“Yeah,” I say quickly, forcing a small smile. “Just… a lot on my mind.”

Shade chuckles in the back of my mind. “Bit of an understatement.”

“Not helping,” I think sharply, trying to push him away as Lorien’s brow furrows slightly.

“Artemis,” he says softly, his voice full of care. “If there’s something you need to say… you can tell me.”

The guilt twists in my chest, and I glance away, my hand tightening around his. I have to tell him. But how?

“I’m just flustered right now,” I say quickly, avoiding his searching gaze. “Let’s just go before the others start wondering where we are.”

Lorien watches me for a moment, then nods. “Okay,” he says softly, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my lips.

I can feel my cheeks heat up again, but I manage a small smile as he pulls back and grabs his spear from the corner of the room. I straighten my tunic, doing my best to look as composed as possible, though I can still feel the lingering warmth of his kiss.

We open the door, stepping out into the hallway. Kaida is nowhere to be seen, but I can hear faint murmuring from the others down the hall.

I’ll tell him later, I think to myself, pushing the guilt down as we walk. After we figure out what’s next… I’ll tell him everything.

Shade’s voice hums in my mind, low and almost amused. “We’ll see.”

I ignore him, focusing on Lorien as we head toward the others. One thing at a time.

“I’ll go first and give you a minute to calm down,” Lorien says, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Thanks,” I mutter, my face still flushed as I glance away.

He leans in one last time, his hand brushing against mine briefly before he heads down the hall. I watch him go, his calm, confident demeanor somehow making me feel both better and more embarrassed.

I take a deep breath, pressing my hands against my cheeks in a futile attempt to cool them. Okay, Artemis, pull it together. You survived Kaida’s teasing; you can survive facing the others.

“Barely,” Shade chimes in, his tone light and teasing.

I straighten my tunic again, trying to smooth out the wrinkles, and take another breath. When I feel like I’m somewhat composed, I step into the hallway, determined to make it through the day without completely falling apart.

Just act like you do every morning. Be normal. You can do this, I think to myself, taking another steadying breath.

I step into the hallway, forcing a calm expression onto my face as I start walking toward the others. My heart is still racing, but I focus on keeping my posture relaxed, my movements casual—like nothing is out of the ordinary.

Shade’s voice hums in my mind, soft and amused. “Normal, huh? After what just happened? Good luck with that.”

“I don’t need your commentary at all times,” I think back sharply.

He chuckles but says nothing more, leaving me to my own nervous thoughts.

As I approach the others, I spot Kaida leaning against the wall, her arms crossed and her expression absolutely smug. She raises an eyebrow as she sees me.

“Morning,” she says sweetly, though her tone is anything but innocent.

“Morning,” I reply evenly, doing my best to ignore her grin as I sit down near Lorien.

Kaida doesn’t push further—for now—but I can feel her eyes on me. I pretend not to notice, determined to act as normal as possible.

“Where’s the caretaker?” I ask, glancing around the room.

It suddenly hits me that I never thought about asking his name before, and a pang of guilt settles in. I kind of feel bad about that. He’s helped us so much, and I didn’t even think to ask.

Kaida snickers, crossing her arms as she leans against the wall. “I guess he’s still asleep… like you were.”

My face flushes, and I glare at her. “Kaida…”

She shrugs, grinning like she knows exactly what she’s doing. “What? Just an observation. You looked pretty cozy when I came by earlier.”

Lorien clears his throat, clearly trying not to laugh, and I shoot him a quick glare too. Traitor.

“Can we focus, please?” I say, trying to steer the conversation back. “We still have to figure out our next move.”

Kaida’s grin softens slightly, but I can tell she’s not done teasing me yet. “Fine, fine. We’ll save that for later,” she says, winking.

I groan, pressing my palm to my face. This really is going to haunt me forever.

“I guess we should get moving and follow the map,” I say, trying to steer everyone’s focus back to the task at hand.

“What? No breakfast?” Veyron chimes in, raising an eyebrow as he leans lazily against the wall. “I’m sure that guy has something around here we could… borrow.”

I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “Borrow? You mean steal?”

“Hey,” he says, holding up his hands innocently, “he offered us the castle to rest in. You’re telling me there’s no rotten food or even a secret stash of fresh food somewhere around here?”

Hrothgar scoffs. “You’d probably turn it into some competition just for fun.”

“I mean, it’d keep things interesting,” Veyron says with a grin. “We can’t exactly go into a life-or-death situation on an empty stomach.”

I glance at Lorien, who just shrugs. “He’s got a point,” he says quietly, though there’s a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Fine,” I mutter, throwing my hands up in surrender. “We’ll look for food first, but we’re not wasting time. The sooner we leave, the better.”

Veyron grins triumphantly. “That’s the spirit!”

Kaida rolls her eyes, already heading toward the hall. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t poison us with some hundred-year-old bread or something.”

“Worth it,” Veyron calls after her, and I can’t help but groan. This group is impossible.

“Maybe we should stop by the city for supplies too,” Kaida suggests as we head down the hall. “We only have one fire kit left, we’re completely out of options, and we’ve got, like, barely enough food to make it through a day.”

“How are we even going to afford more supplies anyway?” Hrothgar chimes in, his voice low and practical. “We’re not exactly taking money-making jobs at the moment. You know, with the whole life-or-death quest thing keeping us busy.”

I sigh, glancing down at the map in my hands. “He’s got a point. Even if we stop in the city, how are we going to pay for anything?”

Kaida shrugs, crossing her arms. “We’ll figure something out. I mean, it’s not like we’re completely useless. We’ve got skills. Maybe we can trade for supplies.”

“Trade what, exactly?” Veyron says, smirking as he gestures toward us.

Veyron gestures directly at me and Kaida, and the implication is clear. My face burns with anger, and I snap before I can think twice. “Seriously, Veyron?! What is wrong with you? I don’t know why Kaida likes you so much…”

His smirk vanishes instantly, and for once, he looks caught off guard—completely different from his usual smug self. Wait… is he blushing?

“She what?” Veyron stammers, his voice cracking slightly as he looks between me and Kaida, his expression a mixture of confusion and something else I can’t quite place.

I freeze as the words I just said hit me. Oh crap. I didn’t mean to say that!

“Artemis!” Kaida exclaims, her face flushing bright red as she glares at me.

“Kaida, I’m sorry, I didn’t—”

But before I can finish, Kaida’s smirk returns, sharp and mischievous. “Well, if we’re spilling secrets, I know a way to make this even,” she says, her voice practically dripping with payback.

“Kaida, don’t!” I plead, already knowing where this is headed.

She ignores me, turning to the others with a grin. “Lorien and Artemis slept together!”

My jaw drops, and I feel like the floor just got pulled out from under me. “Kaida!” I shout, my face burning hotter than ever.

Veyron stares at me, then at Lorien, who just sighs and runs a hand through his hair, clearly debating whether to respond. Hrothgar looks like he’s trying very hard not to laugh, and Kaida crosses her arms, looking far too satisfied with herself.

“I cannot believe you just said that!” I snap at Kaida, my voice coming out higher-pitched than I’d like.

Kaida shrugs, completely unfazed. “What? You outed me first! Fair’s fair.”

“That’s not even remotely the same thing!” I groan, burying my face in my hands, my cheeks burning hotter than ever.

“Wait,” Veyron interrupts, his grin growing wider with every passing second. “So it’s true? You two actually—?”

“Don’t,” Lorien says sharply, his voice low and steady, his glare cutting straight through Veyron’s teasing.

Veyron raises his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, hey, no judgment here. I mean, I can’t say I’m shocked or anything.” He smirks, leaning back casually. “But, man, this trip just keeps getting more interesting.”

“Can we not do this right now?” I mutter, my face still buried in my hands as I try to will myself out of existence.

That’s when Hrothgar finally lets out a deep, booming laugh, shaking his head. “Ah, young love. See, I told you, Veyron.”

“Shut it!” Veyron snaps, clearly flustered for the first time, but I lift my head, narrowing my eyes.

“What do you mean by that, Hrothgar?” I say, my annoyance finally bubbling over.

Hrothgar suddenly looks less amused, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. “I, uh… I suddenly am not enjoying this as much…”

“Go on,” I say, crossing my arms. “You’ve got something to say, don’t you?”

“I just, uh…” Hrothgar stammers, glancing nervously at Veyron, who looks like he’s trying to set him on fire with his glare.

“No, don’t say another word,” Veyron says quickly, his tone practically pleading.

“No, no, do,” Kaida interjects, clearly invested. She glances around the group. “Who here wants to know?” she says, raising her hand high.

I raise mine without hesitation, looking at Lorien, who sighs but eventually raises his hand as well.

“Sorry, Veyron,” Hrothgar says with a grin. “I guess you’re outvoted.”

Veyron groans, but before he can protest further, Hrothgar blurts it out. “He may have mentioned liking Kaida before, but he didn’t think she’d be interested in him for real. Oh, and… they’ve kissed a few times.”

Kaida’s jaw drops, her face turning a brilliant shade of red. “What?! Hrothgar!”

Veyron buries his face in his hands, muttering something I can’t hear as Kaida whirls on him. “You like me?” she asks, her voice higher-pitched than I’ve ever heard it.

“This is karma,” I whisper to Lorien, who chuckles softly beside me. “Pure karma.”

“I don’t think they’re that bothered,” Lorien whispers back, chuckling softly as he gestures toward Kaida and Veyron.

I glance back at them, and my eyes widen slightly. Sure enough, Kaida has grabbed Veyron by the collar, and they’re kissing right there in front of us.

“Well… that escalated quickly,” I mutter, my eyebrows shooting up.

Hrothgar lets out another booming laugh, crossing his arms and looking far too amused. “Took them long enough. I was starting to think I’d have to knock their heads together to get them to admit it.”

Kaida pulls back from the kiss, her face a mix of smugness and a little embarrassment. “For the record,” she says, pointing a finger at Hrothgar, “you’re still in trouble for blurting that out.”

Veyron just smirks, though his usual cockiness is tinged with something softer as he glances at her. “Yeah, well… you didn’t seem to mind that much,” he says, his tone playful.

Kaida narrows her eyes at him, but the faint blush on her cheeks gives her away. “Shut up.”

I exchange a look with Lorien, who’s barely holding back his laughter. “Guess we’re not the only ones making the trip more interesting,” he says under his breath.

“Why don’t we give them a minute to… talk,” Hrothgar says, his voice full of amusement as he gently ushers me and Lorien down the hall, away from Veyron and Kaida.

“Yeah, uh, we’ll see if we can find that food,” I mutter, glancing back briefly to see Veyron and Kaida still standing close, clearly not paying attention to us anymore.

Lorien stifles a chuckle beside me as we walk, leaning down slightly to whisper, “Do you think they’ll actually talk, or…?”

“Don’t,” I say quickly, giving him a sharp look, though I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I don’t even want to know.”

Hrothgar laughs, shaking his head as he leads the way. “Young love. Looks like it’s contagious.”

I groan, rubbing my temple. “Can we just focus on finding food? Please?”

“Agreed,” Lorien says, though he’s still smiling.

As we move further down the hall, the sound of Kaida and Veyron’s ‘conversation’—or whatever they’re doing—fades into the background. The air feels a little lighter now, and for the first time in a while, I feel like maybe things will be okay. At least for a little while.

As we open the door to yet another room, still on the hunt for food, we’re startled to find the caretaker standing there, his hands clasped in front of him and an amused expression on his face.

“Good morning,” he says, his voice calm and polite. “I trust you slept well?”

I freeze for a moment, my face heating slightly as his words seem to carry a bit more weight than they should. Does he know?

“Uh… yeah,” I manage, glancing at Lorien, who looks far less flustered than me. “We… did. Thanks.”

The caretaker’s gaze shifts between the three of us, his expression unreadable, though there’s a slight twinkle in his eye. “Excellent. Rest is important, especially before a journey such as yours.”

Hrothgar clears his throat, cutting through the tension. “Speaking of the journey… we were hoping to find some food.”

“Ah, of course.” The caretaker nods thoughtfully, gesturing for us to follow him. “I believe I can assist with that. Come with me.”

We exchange quick glances before trailing behind him down the hall. The tension in my chest eases slightly, though I can’t shake the feeling that the caretaker knows far more than he’s letting on.

He leads us to a smaller, cozier kitchen tucked away on this floor, its polished counters and neatly arranged shelves a stark contrast to the grand, cavernous kitchen we’d seen below.

“Here we are,” the caretaker says, gesturing toward the room.

Lorien raises an eyebrow, glancing around. “What about the giant kitchen on the lower floor? The one with enough space to feed an army?”

The caretaker smiles faintly, his tone patient. “That is for the entirety of the castle—the staff, the soldiers, and any guests. This, however,” he says, gesturing around the smaller space, “was reserved exclusively for the royals and nobles. A private space for their meals and gatherings.”

“Fancy,” Hrothgar mutters, crossing his arms as he surveys the room.

Kaida would probably have loved this detail if she were here. I glance around at the shelves, which still hold an assortment of preserved goods, jars, and some neatly packed bags of grains. “This’ll work,” I say quietly.

“Take what you need,” the caretaker says, his voice calm. “The castle has provided for many before you, and it can still do so now.”

Lorien nods in thanks, stepping toward the shelves. “We appreciate it,” he says sincerely, pulling a small bag of dried fruits off a shelf.

The sheer amount of food is shocking—far more than I’d expect in a castle this empty. The fruits are vibrant, the meat fresh, and there are loaves of bread neatly lined up, as though they were baked just hours ago. It all looks incredible, but unease twists in my stomach.

If the caretaker never leaves, how does he have all this? I think, glancing at the bread again. And why would he make so much?

“Where did you get all of this?” I ask, unable to keep the question to myself.

The caretaker pauses, his hands clasping behind his back as he looks over the supplies. “This castle is no ordinary place, as I’m sure you’ve realized by now,” he says calmly. “The orb at the heart of the castle maintains more than just the structure itself. It provides… sustenance.”

“You’re saying the food just appears?” Lorien asks skeptically, holding up a perfect apple he just plucked from a basket.

“In a sense, yes,” the caretaker replies. “The castle replenishes what is needed. The fruits, the meats, the grains—they are a part of its magic. As long as the orb remains, so too does the castle’s bounty.”

Hrothgar rubs his chin thoughtfully. “So it’s safe, then? Nothing… cursed about it?”

The caretaker gives a faint smile. “The food is safe. You have my word. Many before you have relied on it, and none have suffered ill effects.”

I exchange a wary glance with Lorien. It sounds too convenient, but at the same time, we don’t have many options. My stomach growls quietly, and I sigh, picking up a piece of bread. “Well, I guess we’ll find out.”

“If you wish,” the caretaker says, gesturing to the array of fresh meat and eggs laid out on a side counter, “feel free to cook as much as you’d please. I certainly would never be able to have it all myself.”

He pauses, his expression softening as his gaze drifts across the room. “And… even if it’s provided by special means, I can’t help but feel guilty not using it all every day.”

There’s a faint twinge of sadness in his voice, and it catches me off guard. For a moment, the warmth and abundance of the kitchen seem almost bittersweet.

“Why feel guilty?” Hrothgar asks gently, stepping forward.

The caretaker smiles faintly but doesn’t quite meet his eyes. “When one lives in solitude for so long, surrounded by such excess, it becomes… a reminder.” He turns toward the counter, his voice growing quieter. “A reminder of all that was lost. Of all that once was.”

The silence is deafening, his words hanging between us. I exchange a glance with Lorien, who looks just as uneasy as I feel.

“Well,” Lorien says softly, breaking the silence, “then we’ll make sure it doesn’t go to waste today.”

Kaida and Veyron aren’t here to offer their usual levity, so I take a deep breath, stepping toward the counter. “Let’s make something good,” I say, trying to lighten the mood. “We’ve got a long journey ahead. Might as well eat like royalty while we can.”

The caretaker’s faint smile returns, though the sadness lingers in his eyes. “That would please me greatly,” he says, his tone softer now.

With that we set to work.

I glance at the caretaker as he quietly moves to the corner of the room, giving us space but still watching with that faint, melancholic smile. I can’t imagine what it must be like to live here, alone, for so long.

This castle is so huge, filled with memories of people he lost, the family and kingdom he spoke of so briefly. Every corner must remind him of what he had and what’s gone now. It’s not just the solitude—it’s being surrounded by the echoes of a life that was taken from him.

Poor guy…

Lorien’s hand brushes against mine as he grabs some eggs to crack into a pan, his touch pulling me from my thoughts. I glance at him, and he gives me a small, reassuring smile, as if sensing what I’m feeling.

Hrothgar is quietly setting up a station to cook, he’s uncharacteristically solemn right biw. “This place must’ve been something incredible back in the day,” he says softly, not looking up.

The caretaker’s gaze flickers toward him, and for a moment, the sadness in his eyes deepens. “It was,” he says simply.

I swallow hard, my chest tightening as I look around the room again. The abundance of food, the perfectly preserved space… it’s all so pristine, like a frozen moment in time, while everything else has moved on without him.

I don’t know how he’s done it—survived this long, surrounded by memories that would crush anyone else. It makes me wonder… would I be able to do the same if I had to?

“If you don’t mind me asking… how did you…” I trail off, hesitating as I glance at the caretaker.

He tilts his head slightly, a faint smile crossing his face as he finishes for me. “How did I go blind?”

I nod, feeling a twinge of guilt. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude.”

“Not at all,” he says softly, his voice calm and measured. “It’s a fair question. The answer, though, is not so simple.”

The room falls quiet, the faint crackle of the fire under the cooking pan the only sound as he continues. “The orb’s power is vast, and as the castle’s caretaker, it became… intertwined with me. Over time, its magic granted me the ability to see things others could not—visions of the future, glimpses of the past, and the secrets of this world.”

He pauses, his sightless eyes seeming to focus on something far away. “But such gifts come at a cost. The orb’s light consumed my sight, leaving me blind to the present, even as it opened my mind to everything else.”

I swallow hard, glancing at Lorien and Hrothgar, who are both listening intently. “That’s… a lot to bear,” I say softly. “I can’t imagine…”

The caretaker nods slowly, his expression unreadable. “It is a burden I have learned to live with. After all, what is the loss of sight, compared to the lives that were lost long ago?”

He gave everything for this place, for his people. And now he’s left with nothing but memories and duty.

“Thank you,” I say quietly. “For telling us.”

He inclines his head slightly, the faint smile returning. “You are kind to ask. Few do.”

“I never asked before, but… what is your name?” I ask softly, feeling a pang of guilt for not asking sooner.

The caretaker smiles gently, as if he’s been waiting for this question. “My name is Eryndor,” he says, his voice carrying a quiet pride despite its softness. “Once, I was known as Prince Eryndor of Aedralis. But now… I am simply the caretaker of this castle.”

“Eryndor,” I repeat, testing the name. It feels heavy with history, like saying it invokes the weight of the world he once knew. “It suits you.”

His smile deepens slightly, and he inclines his head. “Thank you, Artemis. And thank you… for asking. It has been some time since anyone has called me by name.”

Lorien steps closer, his expression respectful. “Well, Eryndor, you’ve given us more help than we could have hoped for. Whatever happens next, we won’t forget it.”

Eryndor nods slowly, his hands clasping behind his back. “I am glad to aid you. This castle holds many answers, and though its trials are difficult, I see great strength in all of you.”

We continue prepping breakfast, the warmth of the fire and the smell of cooking food filling the room. I can’t deny how enjoyable this is—to do something so… normal.

I glance over at Lorien, who’s focused on flipping some strips of meat in the pan, and Hrothgar, who’s kneading some bread dough he found like he’s been doing it his whole life. Even Eryndor watches quietly from the side, his presence calm and steady.

It’s strange, I think, my hands busy cracking a few eggs into a bowl. I don’t really cook much back home—hardly at all, really—but this feels… different. Like I’m not just making food; I’m sharing something with them.

Lorien glances up and catches my eye, offering a small smile as he stirs the pan. “You’re pretty good at that,” he says, nodding toward the eggs.

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I’m just cracking eggs, Lorien. It’s not exactly a skill.”

“Hey,” he teases lightly, “give yourself some credit. Not everyone can do it without getting shell in the bowl.”

Hrothgar chuckles from the counter. “Ya know I think it’s the quiet that makes this nice,” he says. “No knights chasing us, no traps to dodge… just food and company.”

I smile at that, stirring the eggs as I nod. “Yeah. It’s… peaceful.”

And for a moment, I let myself just enjoy it—the normalcy. It’s fleeting, I know, but it’s enough to remind me of what we’re fighting for.

After what feels like hours of cooking, it’s all done—a feast fit for royalty. Everything you could possibly want is spread out across the counter: a mountain of fresh fruits, baskets of bread with jars of jam, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, sausage. The smell is intoxicating, and I catch myself just staring at it all, my stomach rumbling loudly.

“I’ll show you to the dining hall,” Eryndor says, standing and motioning for us to follow.

I quickly start grabbing as many plates as I can without dropping them, stacking them carefully in my arms. Lorien and Hrothgar do the same, balancing heaping plates and bowls as we file out of the kitchen behind Eryndor.

“This feels excessive,” I mutter, trying not to let anything tip as I adjust my grip.

“It’s called living, Artemis,” Hrothgar says with a grin, expertly carrying a platter stacked with meats. “And after everything we’ve been through, I’d say we’ve earned it.”

Lorien chuckles softly beside me, balancing a plate of fruit and another of eggs. “I think he’s just excited to eat.”

Hrothgar laughs. “Can you blame me? It smells too good to wait!”

As we walk down the hall, Eryndor leads us to a grand dining room that looks untouched by time. The long, polished table gleams in the dim light, and ornate chairs surround it, their cushions still plush despite the years.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” Eryndor says, gesturing to the table. “This room is yours to enjoy.”

We set the plates down carefully, the sight of the spread making my stomach growl again. Kaida and Veyron are really missing out, I think, glancing at the empty chairs.

“Looks like we’ve got enough for a small army,” Lorien says with a grin, pulling out a chair for me.

“Good thing we eat like one,” Hrothgar adds, already piling his plate high.

I laugh softly, sitting down as the warmth of the moment sinks in. For now, it feels like we’re more than just survivors—like we’re a family, sharing a moment of peace.

“Shouldn’t we go get Kaida and Veyron?” I ask, glancing at the empty chairs around the table.

Lorien leans in close, his voice low as he whispers, “I’d say no—wouldn’t want a repeat of this morning.”

I feel my face flush immediately, and I shoot him a quick glare, though his quiet chuckle only makes it harder to stay mad. “Lorien…” I mutter, trying to suppress a small smile.

Hrothgar, already halfway through piling his plate, raises an eyebrow at us. “What’s this about this morning?”

“Nothing!” I say quickly, my voice a little too high-pitched.

Lorien smirks but doesn’t add anything, thankfully sparing me more embarrassment.

Eryndor, still standing by the doorway, clears his throat gently. “If you wish to call for them, the hallway leads back toward their rooms. I suspect they may not be… eager to join you just yet.”

Hrothgar pauses, glancing between me and Lorien, and then Eryndor, a knowing grin spreading across his face. “Ah. Well, in that case, I’d say let them be.”

I groan, burying my face in my hands as the two of them laugh.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” I ask, glancing over at Eryndor, who stands near the doorway, his hands clasped behind his back as though he doesn’t belong at the table.

His head tilts slightly, as if my question surprises him. “You’d wish for me to join you?”

I shrug, offering a small smile. “I don’t see why not. You made all of this possible, after all.”

For a moment, he’s quiet, his expression unreadable. Then, a faint smile spreads across his face, warm and genuine. “Thank you,” he says softly. “It has been a very long time since I’ve dined with others.”

He moves gracefully toward the table and takes a seat, his movements measured and elegant despite his blindness. For the first time, he seems… lighter, as though the weight of the castle isn’t entirely on his shoulders, at least for now.

Hrothgar grins, gesturing to the spread. “Well, dig in, Eryndor. There’s plenty to go around.”

Eryndor nods politely, taking a small piece of bread and spreading some jam on it. “You honor me with your kindness,” he says, his tone quiet but sincere.

I watch him for a moment, feeling a strange mix of respect and sadness. For someone who’s lived through so much loss, he carries himself with remarkable grace.

The room falls into a comfortable silence as we start eating, the clinking of utensils and the occasional satisfied hum filling the space.

The food is incredible. The eggs are perfectly cooked, the bacon crisp, and the bread soft with just the right amount of sweetness from the jam. I find myself savoring each bite.

Across the table, Hrothgar is happily digging into a pile of meat and eggs, his appetite seemingly endless. “This,” he says between bites, “might be the best meal I’ve had since we got here.”

Lorien chuckles, spearing a piece of fruit with his fork. “Probably because it’s not dry rations for once.”

I glance at Eryndor, who’s eating quietly, his movements measured and precise as he takes small bites of bread and fruit. He looks peaceful, though there’s still a hint of that lingering sadness in his expression.

“This is amazing,” I say softly, breaking the quiet. “Thank you again, Eryndor, for… everything.”

He smiles faintly, nodding. “You are most welcome. It brings me joy to see this table filled again, even if just for a short while.”

Hrothgar raises a piece of bacon in a mock toast. “To good food, good company, and not getting chased for once.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head.

“We should probably go find them and tell them to eat so we can get going,” I say, glancing around the table.

“Not it,” Lorien says immediately, raising his hand.

“Me either,” Hrothgar chimes in, just as quickly.

I gape at them. “Seriously? We’re doing that game now?”

Lorien shrugs, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Fair’s fair.”

“That’s… that’s not even fair!” I sputter. “I wasn’t ready!”

“You snooze, you lose,” Hrothgar says, grinning as he leans back in his chair.

I groan, crossing my arms. “Unbelievable. You’re both ridiculous, you know that?”

“Maybe,” Lorien says, clearly trying not to laugh. “But it’s still your turn to deal with Kaida and Veyron.”

Eryndor’s faint smile returns, and he inclines his head slightly toward me. “Perhaps this is your opportunity to bring them the peace of a meal. Though, I suspect you may find them… preoccupied.”

I sigh, shaking my head as I push my chair back. “Fine. I’ll go. But you owe me,” I say, pointing at both Lorien and Hrothgar before heading toward the door.

Behind me, I hear Hrothgar chuckling. “We’ll save you some bacon.”

“You better,” I call back, rolling my eyes. Time to face the awkwardness.

“This should be fun,” Shade says in that ever-so-amused tone of his as I walk out of the dining room.

“Oh, yeah, loads of fun,” I think back sarcastically, already dreading what I’m about to walk into. “Because dealing with Kaida and Veyron mid-whatever-this-is is exactly how I wanted to spend my morning.”

Shade chuckles softly in my mind. “You do realize you’re walking into the lion’s den, right? Two lovebirds and you, the messenger of doom. Should’ve sent Lorien—he’s better at this kind of thing.”

“They played the ‘not it’ game,” I shoot back bitterly. “So now it’s my problem.”

“Ah, well,” Shade says, his tone practically dripping with amusement. “You’ve got this. Or not. Either way, I’ll enjoy the show.”

I roll my eyes as I make my way down the hall, trying to steel myself. This is going to be awkward, isn’t it?

“If you think about it,” Shade says, his tone smug, “after Kaida walked in on you and Lorien this morning, this is basically retribution.”

“Yeah, sure,” I think back, rolling my eyes. “Except I don’t want to know what… you know… they’re doing.”

Shade chuckles, the sound echoing faintly in my mind. “Oh, come on. It’s not like you haven’t been curious about them.”

“Absolutely not,” I shoot back quickly. “Kaida’s my friend. I don’t need those kinds of mental images, thank you very much.”

“Suit yourself,” he says, his voice almost teasing. “But you know they’re going to make this as awkward as possible for you.”

“Great,” I mutter internally. “Because today wasn’t already awkward enough.”

As I reach the hall where Kaida and Veyron’s rooms are, I pause taking a deep breath. Just knock, tell them there’s food, and leave. No unnecessary questions, no sticking around.

“Good luck with that,” Shade says, and I can practically hear the smirk in his voice.

As I stand in the hallway, I hear a faint noise coming from one of the bedrooms. It’s quiet, muffled, but unmistakable—voices, laughter, and maybe something else.

“Great,” I mutter under my breath, crossing my arms. “Helpful or nauseating?”

Shade chuckles in the back of my mind. “Why not both?”

I glare at the door as if Shade himself is standing there. “Seriously, I’m not in the mood for this.”

“Then why are you hesitating?” he teases. “Knock and get it over with. Or, you know, walk away and leave them to their… bonding.”

I take a deep breath, clenching my fists. I’m just here to tell them there’s food. That’s it. No judging, no awkwardness, just… food.

Steeling myself, I approach the door and knock firmly. “Kaida? Veyron? Breakfast is ready,” I call out, trying to keep my voice steady and neutral.

There’s a pause, followed by the unmistakable sound of hurried shuffling. Shade, of course, takes the opportunity to chime in. “This should be good.”

There’s a pause, followed by what sounds like someone tripping over something, and then a muffled, “One second!”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, exhaling sharply. This is going to be worse than I thought.

Shade’s voice is practically vibrating with amusement. “I told you, this is retribution. Just savor the moment.”

“You’re the worst,” I think back, glaring at the door.

Finally, the door creaks open, and Kaida peeks out, her hair a little messier than usual, her cheeks flushed. “Oh, hey, Artemis!” she says, a little too cheerfully. “Breakfast, huh?”

Behind her, Veyron is sitting on the bed, adjusting his shirt and doing his best to look completely unbothered. “Hi,” he says casually, though there’s a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

I cross my arms, giving them both a pointed look. “You know, you could’ve just said you weren’t coming instead of making me hunt you down.”

Kaida opens the door a little wider, stepping into the hallway with a nervous laugh. “Right, sorry about that. We were, uh… talking.”

“Talking,” I repeat, raising an eyebrow.

Veyron stands and strolls toward the door, his smirk now fully formed. “What can I say? We’re very… passionate conversationalists.”

I groan, turning on my heel. “Just hurry up and get to the dining hall. I’m not saving you any food if you take too long.”

As I walk away, I hear Kaida mutter something to Veyron, followed by more muffled laughter. Shade, of course, can’t resist one last jab. “You handled that well.”

End of chapter 24.

So close to telling the truth… Let’s hope it’s not too late.