Chapter 54. Night

Xerina’s POV

I looked at him from the distance. Zane. Why did his name sound so… familiar? Ugh. I was deep in my thoughts, trying to piece together where I had heard it before. It nagged at the back of my mind like an itch I couldn’t quite reach.

I sighed and decided to look for Mama again, hoping she could provide some clarity. As I scanned the room, I spotted her standing with Papa, their heads close together in a serious conversation. My heart skipped a beat. Did that mean Rasmus was also here? My veins froze at the thought.

I looked around the room, my eyes darting from face to face, searching for any sign of him. People mingled, chatted, and laughed, but Rasmus was nowhere to be found. I felt a mix of relief and frustration. Part of me wanted to confront him, to demand answers, but another part of me was terrified of what those answers might be.

Deciding to let Mama and Papa have their moment, I turned on my heel and set off t