Chapter 209: The Golden Snitch, No, Squirrel
She barely had the strength to catch herself before she fell face-first into the dirt, but before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist. Cassian’s presence was immediately comforting and frustrating all at once.
"You’re exhausted," he said, his voice low but firm. "Heal yourself."
Adeline shook her head weakly, her body trembling as she tried to regain her footing. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and her words were barely audible.
"I can’t," she whispered. "Father... He doesn’t allow me to use it." She never blamed him, she understood his concern. The Holy Temple still existed, Edward still stood and the enmity between them only grew. She could not let her guard down.
Cassian’s brows furrowed deeply, his lips pressing into a tight line. He knew what her father feared. The power that Adeline possessed was as much a blessing as it was a curse. Using it came with risks—risks her father wasn’t willing to take. But Cassian wasn’t her father, and he wasn’t going to let her collapse from sheer stubbornness.
"Well, your father isn’t here," Cassian said, his tone firm yet gentle. "I am. And I’m telling you to use it."
Adeline glanced up at him, her eyes filled with hesitation and frustration.
"There’s no one else here to witness it," he continued, lowering his voice. "And you know I can keep a secret."
Adeline frowned at that, her expression shifting into a glare. "A little too well," she muttered.