The silence Alexander left behind felt heavier than his presence.
For several long moments after the chamber doors closed, nobody moved.
The fire crackled weakly.
Snow hissed against the tall windows.
And Ariana stood frozen in the center of the room, staring at the place where Alexander had disappeared.
Her pulse still hadn't slowed.
Sebastian stepped toward her carefully. "Ariana."
She flinched slightly at the sound of his voice.
Not because she feared him.
Because she was still trapped inside the memory of Alexander's expression.
That look in his eyes when she admitted she loved another man.
God.
She had expected rage.
Violence.
Cruelty.
Not heartbreak.
Sebastian reached for her hands gently.
"He's dangerous."
"I know."
"No," Sebastian said quietly. "You don't."
Ariana finally looked at him.
"He threatened to burn roads across kingdoms."
"He meant it."
"I know."
"That man would tear apart the entire north to keep you."
