Chapter 97

Lian's POV

We rode back to the palace in silence. An emptiness rocked within me, making me feel exhausted.

Unlike when we came, Noel maintained a safe distance from me. I could hardly feel his body behind me. Even his breath was faint. Our only contact was his fists which rubbed against my thighs as he controlled the horse.

"Let me help you," his voice broke into my ears and that was when I looked around. We were in front of the palace gates and Alpha Noel had already dismounted from his horse. He was stretching his hands at me and I looked away in embarrassment.

"Common Noel…" I began casually but stopped. "I can climb down on my own," I bowed and swoosh! I jumped down from the horse.

"Ahhhh…" I yelled as my legs gave way and I fell. Noel looked at me without blinking an eye. I shut my eyes ready to impact the ground. But he caught me at the last moment.

Feeling his arms grab my shoulders, my eyes flung open and I stared directly into his eyes. He looked blank and emotionless.

He did