Chapter 93. Expelled

ARDEN

I was taken aback by the sudden rise in her tone. It made me freeze in my tracks, my hand slowly retracting as I instinctively took a step back, fearing her voice might escalate even further.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, even though I wasn’t quite sure what I had done wrong.

She sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose. “Where did you get it?” she muttered, her voice laced with concern.

“I didn’t think I brought it with me,” I replied hesitantly. “I just—I found it once, in the woods near the South.”

Bethany’s expression remained unchanged; her eyes were fixed on the box, as if it might sprout legs and run away at any moment.

“It brings me comfort,” I added, fumbling for words I hadn’t prepared. “I know it’s strange, but it feels like something familiar. It feels like I’m meant to have it.”

Bethany’s lips parted slightly, a breath escaping her. “Huh?”

“It lights up,” I responded, realizing too late that I might have revealed to