Chapter 22: A Companion
>>Aelin
My mind churned with Ariston’s words. If he was suspicious of Draegon too, then I wasn’t just imagining things. His mention of the gate—that horrifying scar in the sky that unleashed chaos—made my stomach twist. Why would anyone deliberately open something like that? It was madness. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more my questions multiplied.
I was so lost in thought, my feet carried me back to my room without much notice of the corridors around me. The demons passed me without so much as a nod, their eyes sliding past me as though I were invisible. Their cold indifference was something I’d grown used to, but today, it felt heavier.
"Princess," a familiar voice called softly, drawing me out of my thoughts.
I turned to see Ariston standing in the hall, his figure was taller than mine but his warm expression was a stark contrast to the icy gazes I’d grown used to.
"Ariston," I said, managing a small smile. "I didn’t expect to see you again so soon."
He shrugged, "I was just wandering. This palace is... overwhelming."
I chuckled softly. "That’s one way to describe it."
"Would you mind if we walked together, Princess?" He asked as he placed his hand on his chest and gave me a small bow. His action made my chest tighten
"Please," I nodded, "I would love that."
He straightened up and then took his place by my side. For a moment, we walked together in silence before he broke it. "Do you remember the last time we met?"