I avoided Kael the next morning.
I told myself it was because I was busy.
Because I needed answers.
Because the castle was dangerous.
But I knew the truth.
I was afraid to look at him.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw blood.
His blood.
My hands around the blade.
His eyes looking into mine.
Why?
The memory made my stomach twist.
So I stayed away.
At breakfast, I ate in my room.
When Kael came to the library, I left.
When I heard his footsteps in the corridor, I turned down another passage.
By noon, I had convinced myself he hadn't noticed.
I was wrong.
I was standing in the courtyard when his voice came from behind me.
"How long are you planning to avoid me?"
I froze.
I turned slowly.
Kael stood beneath the stone archway.
His arms were crossed.
His expression was c
