Isolde.
Why did Jade know about Isolde?
Alaric froze, words stuck in his throat like a stone. He didn't know how to answer.
Jade's eyes were bloodshot, brimming with tears as she stared at him, searching his face for any flicker of explanation. What she found was only disappointment.
Disappointment in him.
She stood abruptly, pressing a hand to her mouth to muffle the quiet sobs as she fled the hospital room.
Alaric didn't stop her. He couldn't find the words. He had no explanation ready—no way to untangle this mess. The truth was, he hadn't prepared for this. Hadn't prepared to face the past he'd buried.
Meanwhile, Jade locked herself in the restroom, shoulders shaking as tears rolled silently down her cheeks. In that moment, she was certain—Alaric had betrayed her. His silence was
