Chapter 167: Gists By Fiery
"Until?" Salviana pressed, sensing the weight of an unfinished story.
"Until I began craving blood more than I could control. I kept my distance to keep her safe," Alaric admitted, his voice quiet with regret.
"By the time I could return to her as a friend, too much had changed. She wouldn’t let go of the past, and now..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening.
"She might like you," Salviana said carefully, her voice soft. "Romantically, I mean. She probably thinks I’ve replaced her."
Alaric’s brows furrowed, his emerald gaze darkening. "That’s blasphemous," he muttered under his breath. "I’ve had Lucius keeping an eye on her. Ignore her, Salviana. She isn’t worth your thoughts."
He reached out, tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear with surprising tenderness. The simple gesture made her heart flutter despite the heavy topic.
Salviana sighed but nodded. "Alright. What else did you miss?" she asked, changing the subject with a smile.
"Gists!" she added with a dramatic groan, leaning back on her folded legs like a child. The sight made Alaric chuckle softly.
"Then tell me everything," he said, his tone lighter now.
Her green eyes lit up. "The Queen invited me to her chambers," she squealed, barely containing her excitement.
Alaric raised a brow. "That is a surprise. What did she want?"