Ezra's POV:
I marched down the narrow hallway, grappling with my frustration from Elder Helena’s interruption. At the same time, the warmth of that fleeting kiss with Melrose still lingered on my lips—a delicate reminder of what we could become. I longed to immerse myself in that brief moment; it wasn’t much, but it ignited a flicker of hope within me—that maybe, just maybe, she could find it in her heart to forgive me. We could start fresh together, but first, I had to deal with the obnoxious throne pressing into my side.
Chrystal
Just as Elder Helena had unsettlingly predicted, I saw her leaning against a massive bookshelf, wearing her usual maid uniform. Her long, chestnut hair cascaded down her back in a sleek braid, exuding graceful charm. Her stormy gray gaze pulled me in, revea
