Chapter 64. Forever Grateful

JULIAN

I sat in the chapel, lost in thought for hours after Aurelia had left to join Vesta. I’d promised her that we would complete the ceremony upon her return—a promise I knew, deep down, I probably shouldn’t have made. I was painfully aware of where my heart truly lay, but I chose not to accept it.

Up until that night a few days ago, Vesta had only crossed my mind out of necessity. I’d known that I needed to see her, especially after everything that happened since she bit me in the north. But after that night—the night Claudius and I met Caesar—I realized that a part of me was, and perhaps always would be, drawn to her. And that was unfair to my dear Aurelia, who had loved me even when I didn’t deserve it—even when I killed Festus.

From the window of the old chapel, I could see that daylight had faded. How long had I been here?

Springing up, I walked to the door. As I stepped outside, the cool night breeze brushed against my skin, but I felt adrift, unsure