Aurelia Delensar slowly lifted her gaze, as if seeing her knight for the first time. Her eyes, like twin orbs of crimson bloom glass, reflected every movement of Caelum Valtaris with startling clarity. The knight, initially bewildered, rarely saw such an expression on Aurelia’s face. But as he calmed himself, emerging from the impulsive surge of emotions, a chilling realization struck him.
He had, perhaps, revealed too much.
Caelum’s face paled instantly. And, as if reading his thoughts, Aurelia’s expression mirrored his dread.
“Caelum,” she began, her voice soft but cutting, “are you going to help me?”
Before he could muster a response, she pressed further, “How exactly do you plan to help me? By killing the Lycan chieftain who seeks my hand, ensuring he can never claim me?”
Caelum r
