Chapter 80
VANESSA
As I stepped into the cursed stream, the misty veil enveloped me, casting an ethereal gloom over the surroundings. The soft gurgle of the water and the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers filled the air, but I felt no serenity. Prudent's voice cut through the tranquillity, his tone laced with surprise, like a discordant note in a melody.
"You came!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment as if he'd expected me to flee from our rendezvous like a startled deer.
I raised an eyebrow, confusion etched on my face like a puzzle I couldn't solve. "Why wouldn't I?" I asked, my voice firm.
Prudent's gaze seemed to bore into mine, like a lantern shining in the darkness, searching for secrets I dared not reveal. "Oh, I don't know...Commander Kyan is quite fond of you,
