Chapter 40

Seris’s POV

Kaien’s scowl hadn’t budged since he discovered I wanted to give things another chance with Ronan. When I found him in the common room, arms crossed and jaw clenched, he ran a hand through his golden locs and let out a low, derisive scoff. “Are you serious, Seris? You really want to try again with him?”

I met his glare calmly. “Yes. And he won’t hurt me again.” I sighed, even as I secretly crossed my heart, praying he was right.

Kaien’s shoulders slumped with frustration. He sank into the nearest chair and bowed his head, pain clear in every line of his posture. After a moment, I slid into the seat beside him. “I’m sorry,” I said softly, though I wasn’t entirely certain what I was apologizing for—maybe for rejecting his own feelings for me.

He lifted his head and gave me a sad shake of his mane. “There’s no reason to apologize. It isn’t your fault, Seris.”

I nodded, afraid to speak when I wasn’t sure which words he needed to hear.