Chapter 96
Zeraphine’s POV
My heart sank, a heavy weight pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe. I waited with bated breath for a response, for a sign, for anything. A disagreement of any sort. A protest. A sharp intake of breath. But the silence stretched, taut and unyielding, wrapping around me like an invisible noose.
Then
A sudden poke at my side.
My eyes flew open, and I was met with Cassandra’s wide, curious gaze. Her brows were slightly raised, her lips parted as if she were debating whether to say more.
“What?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding in my ears.
“You were shutting your eyes,” she murmured, almost sheepishly, as if that explained everything. As if she hadn’t just jolted me back into reality.
Wellthat was awkward.
I hadn’t realiz
