Chapter 23. Unexpected Reunion

ASTRID

I stared, disbelief coursing through my veins. My heart pounded in my chest, the rapid thud echoing in my ears. “Anel? Is that really you?” My voice trembled with excitement and confusion.

Anel, my childhood friend and confidante, stood before me with a broad smile plastered across her face. “Yes, it’s me, Astrid!” She rushed forward and enveloped me in a tight hug, her familiar scent instantly calming my racing heart.

“How did you get here? What are you doing in my house?” The questions spilled from my lips in a frantic rush, my mind struggling to process her sudden appearance. “And how was your journey? Have you eaten? Oh my God, Anel, I have so many questions!”

Anel laughed, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Slow down, Astrid! One question at a time.” She gently squeezed my shoulders, her touch grounding me. “Magnus invited me over to be your personal maid. He thought you could use some familiar company.”

I blinked in surprise,