84. All Alone

[ELARA]

Magnus stays rooted in place, his eyes glued to the floor, his entire posture rigid as though he’s afraid to move. “You need to be present for the ritual,” he says, his voice strained and formal.

I cross my arms over my chest, attempting to cover myself, but it’s more out of defiance than modesty as I narrow my eyes at him. “I know,” I answer, my tone sharper than I intend. “I was preparing for it before you barged in.”

He lets out a breath, and I hear a sigh escape his lips, but he doesn’t move. His body language betrays his discomfort. “Elara, I didn’t mean—” His voice falters again, softer this time. “Are you angry at me?”

The question catches me off guard, and for a moment, I’m silent. I could feel the tension building between us, but I didn’t expect him to be so direct. My mind races, searching for an answer that makes sense, but the truth is... I don’t know.

“I don’t know,” I admit quietly, the words slipping out before I can stop them. It’s the most honest thing I’ve sa