Chapter 14

KAI

Alina’s quiet sobs filled the car as we drove back to the palace. Each one pierced through me like a knife. I kept glancing over at her, my heart tightening with every tear that rolled down her cheeks. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her somehow, but I knew any touch from me would only make it worse. The guilt was a heavy weight in my chest. I had caused her so much pain, and now I was dragging her back into my world again.

“Alina… please,” I tried, my voice barely above a whisper. I knew she wouldn’t want to hear anything I had to say, but I had to try. “I know this is hard, but I promise, it’s going to be okay.”

She turned her face away, pressing her forehead against the window, like she had been since. She didn’t respond, didn’t even look at me. Her shoulders were trembling with each sob, and I felt completely helpless.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure if she could even hear me. “I wished there was some way I could make you feel better.” I did not know if speak