Chapter 33

I turned to leave, feeling Elena’s glare burning into my back as I walked away. The humiliation of it all clung to me like a heavy cloak, making each step out of the bar feel like a mile.

I could still hear their voices behind me, Navian trying to calm Elena down, Elena’s anger refusing to be soothed.

As I stepped outside into the cool night air, I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling slightly.

My heart ached for Navian.

He was in a very difficult situation and he was struggling to make a decision that would benefit everyone while at the same time it was breaking him.

And no matter how much I wished to stay close to him, I could not help thinking that I only worsened his state.

Every move seemed such a labor and getting back to my car was not easy at all. Every move became my cross to bear, the guilt and shame suffocating me from left, right, and center.

I respected Navian as a friend, and I was sure that he always will remain an important person in my life. But Elena… Elena di