Chapter 87

I froze, staring into Eloive's anguished eyes. His pain cut through me like a knife, and I released my grip on the bottle, letting it fall to the ground.

Eloive sank against the wall, sliding down to the floor, his body shaking with sobs.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I didn't understand."

Eloive looked up at me, his tear-streaked face filled with despair. "Nobody does. Nobody cares."

"I care, Eloive," I said softly, kneeling down beside him. "I may not be able to change the circumstances, but I promise I'll be there for you. You're not alone."

He let out a bitter laugh, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. "What good is it to have someone by my side if I can't be with the one I love? They're forcing me into a loveless marriage, Crinka. They're taking away my freedom, my happiness."

"I know it feels like the world is closing in on you right now, Eloive," I said, my heart aching for him. "But we'll find a way. We won't