Chapter 46. More Than a Want

ASTRID

I stood hesitantly outside the small room where Magnus was recovering, my heart racing with mixed emotions.

It had been a few days since our last conversation, and I had been steadily avoiding another one with him.

And it was because I couldn't bear the mournful look in his eyes whenever he looked at me.

Whenever I felt like checking in on him, I'd pause like I was doing right then, utterly unsure how to navigate the meeting without feeling terrible afterwards.

Ayla had refused to talk to me for three days; no matter what I traded, it was as if she wasn't even three, and the silence made me feel even worse.

I wanted to turn away and return to my room, but I had to talk to him.

I breathed deeply and nodded to myself before knocking twice and then pushing the door open.

"I knew you were out there," he stated immediately after I entered the room.

"Why aren't you wearing a shirt?!" I burst out as I eyed his na