TIARA THORNELLS
I didn’t want to walk beside Prince Dawn.
The air between us was too heavy. So, without saying a word, I picked up my pace, letting my steps quicken as I moved ahead of him.
Of course, he followed me.
But this time, he didn’t try to match my stride. He didn’t attempt to walk next to me or say anything at all. He moved ahead and was the first to start down the narrow, winding staircase that led away from the tower.
Our footsteps echoed as we descended, the silence only broken by the occasional creak of old stone beneath our weight.
“Tiara,” a low, serious voice said beside me. I turned slightly and found Railee walking at my side. “Don’t listen to what that woman said.”
I could feel the tightness in my chest growing, but I kept my eyes on the steps in front of me.
“U
