Chapter 334: Wilhelmina’s Unease (End) Her Resolve
After Lyan issued his orders to Grimclaw, the room was once again filled with the strategic hum of his war council discussing tactics. Wilhelmina, however, felt a subtle tension tugging at her heart. She had come here with a different purpose, something far more personal than the looming threats outside and within Grafen. And it seemed that Lyan had noticed.
He gave a final nod to Grimclaw, who quietly exited the war room, his skeletal figure blending into the shadows. Emilia, Surena, and Alicia, sensing the shift in the room, glanced at one another before standing.
"We’ll leave you two alone," Alicia said softly, her calculating eyes flicking between Lyan and Wilhelmina. There was no need for further explanation, and without another word, the Valkyries filed out of the room, leaving Lyan and Wilhelmina alone in the dim light of the war room.
Lyan turned toward her, his sharp, intelligent eyes softening ever so slightly as he saw the turmoil on her face. "You came here for more than just the council meeting," he said quietly, closing the distance between them.
Wilhelmina felt her pulse quicken. His presence was overwhelming, as it always was, but tonight it was more than just his power that affected her. It was the way he looked at her—as if he could see past her composed exterior, straight into the storm of emotions she had been struggling to hide.
"I... I needed to speak with you," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. The vulnerability in her own voice surprised her, but she didn’t shy away. Not now. She had been holding back for too long.
Lyan stepped closer, his expression unreadable but his gaze intense. "I’m listening," he said, his voice as calm and soothing as ever, yet there was a weight to it—an unspoken understanding of what lay beneath her words.
Wilhelmina’s breath hitched as she tried to find the right words, her mind spinning with thoughts of her lost kingdom, her role in Grafen, and the confusing feelings she had harbored for Lyan. She had come to him because she couldn’t bear to continue living in this strange limbo, constantly watching from the sidelines as others moved forward in their lives. But more than anything, she couldn’t bear the thought of continuing to deny what she felt for him.
"Lyan," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "I’ve been... holding myself back. I thought it was because of my duty to my homeland, because of everything I lost. But now I realize... it’s more than that." She swallowed, her heart racing as she met his gaze head-on. "I’ve been afraid. Afraid of what would happen if I let myself... be with you."
There was a long silence as Lyan studied her, his expression softening but still unreadable. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he stepped even closer, his hand gently brushing against her arm. The touch sent a shock through her, and she felt her resolve begin to crumble.
"You’ve been through so much," Lyan said quietly, his voice low and comforting. "It’s only natural to feel that way. But Wilhelmina..." His eyes searched hers, and in that moment, she saw a depth of understanding that made her heart ache. "You don’t have to hold back anymore. Not with me."