Reina’s POV
One evening after combat drills, I stayed back to catch my breath. My arms trembled from exhaustion. As the others left, I saw Julian still standing at the far end of the field, speaking quietly with the commandant. Their voices were low, but their expressions were serious. I couldn’t hear their words, but I noticed the commandant nodding again and again, almost with respect.
When they parted, Julian’s gaze flickered in my direction. For a second, something passed across his face—something I couldn’t name. Then he turned his back and walked away.
The suspense grew heavier each day. I wanted to ask him, to demand why he was here,why he was ignoring me and acting as though I'm no less of a stranger to him, but fear kept my mouth shut. He was Ariana’s fiancé now. I had no right
