Chapter 99. Auraya’s Secret Ambition

Eryndor’s POV

She fixed her gaze on me, her eyes narrowing as if to confirm I was truly myself and not under some strange enchantment. At this point, I’m almost certain she suspects I’ve lost my mind—or that someone has taken control of me. The truth is, I only began to understand the nature of my relationships with others once I discovered I’m a hybrid. That revelation changed everything. I realized how precious those connections were and how much I stood to lose if I let them slip away.

Reflecting on the past, I recall how I used to treat Auraya—coldly, brusquely, sometimes even rudely. She was my friend and my rival from childhood, yet I never treated her that way. Now, understanding who I truly am, I want to mend those mistakes and rebuild what I once carelessly damaged. My intention wasn’t to push her beyond her limits or to force her out of her comfort zone; I only believed she had room to grow, just as I did.

When I voiced those thoughts, her reaction