CHAPTER 41
AXEL
I pulled away, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I hadn't meant to hug Alethea, but something about her had drawn me in. I couldn't explain it, but being close to her felt...right.
"I'm sorry," I said, trying to sound sincere. "I didn't mean to do that."
Alethea smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's nothing, Axel," she said. "Really."
But I knew it wasn't nothing. I had crossed a line, and I didn't know how to take it back.
"Just stay out of my business, okay?" Alethea said, her voice firm but gentle. "You'll only make things worse."
I felt a surge of frustration. Why did she always push me away? Couldn't she see that I was trying to help?
"I can't do that," I said, my voice stubborn. "I promised I'd protect you."
Alethea sighed, her shoulde
