Chapter 3

3.

My mind was a mess the entire way.

Several times I wanted to ask him, but I was afraid my one-sided feelings would only be met with a cold response. Finally, I whispered, "Silas, the jade pendant you used to wear... where is it?"

Silas paused for a fraction of a second before answering. "The pendant? Oh, I accidentally broke it a while ago, so I stopped wearing it."

His answer was dismissive. Yet I remembered so clearly the tenderness in his eyes and the promise he made when I gave it to him.

For a moment, I looked down at my own shadow. I felt pathetic and weak.

We walked in silence until I caught a glimpse of the small cottage where I used to live.

The gate was slightly ajar. The yard was overgrown with weeds, and the stone steps were covered in thick dust. It was clear no one had cared for it in a long time.

My feet stopped involuntarily, and I started toward it.

Just as I stepped onto the stairs, Silas grabbed my arm. He said softly, "Lyra, let's go to the banquet first. The servants have been lazy with this place. I'll make sure they're punished later."

I went still. I knew the truth―without his permission, how would the servants ever dare to neglect my home?

He was just in a hurry to get me away from there.

I pulled my hand back and followed him to the main hall. The guests were already seated.

Silas personally served me food and soup. For a moment, I was moved. But when I looked down at the plate, a chill ran through me.

Every dish he had served was Clarissa's favorite. Flavors I had always hated.

Silas didn't seem to notice my stiff expression. He went on as if nothing was wrong. "You've worked hard at the academy these past years. If you need any help in the future, just let me know."

Before I could respond, he smiled again. "When your eighteenth birthday comes around, I'll make sure to throw you a grand celebration."

My heart plummeted. I felt a suffocating pressure in my chest.

My eighteenth birthday had already passed while I was away at the academy.

He didn't even remember. I was the only one who had treated his words like a sacred vow.