Page 97 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

Dark circles hang under his eyes, and his expression looks worn. His shoulders slump with fatigue, and the luster in his eyes is dim.

I close the distance between us, steadily approaching him.

“Hello,” I say softly.

Viridian’s tone matches mine. “Hello.”

“I’m sorry,” I tell him. “For disappearing like that.”

“You don’t have to apologize for that, Cryssa,” he tells me solemnly.

“I just—I heard you were worried about me.”

“I’ll always worry about you.”

I find his eyes. “I pushed you away.”

“I know.” He holds my gaze.

I search his expression. There’s something else there, something he doesn’t say.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Nothing,” he tells me, his voice monotone. “I’m glad that you’re all right.”

“There’s something else,” I insist. “Tell me.”

“No, there isn’t.” Viridian turns from me and picks up his books.

“Viridian,” I protest. “You can talk to me.”

“I’m fine, Cryssa.” He clutches the books to his chest. “Really.”

But I don’t believe him.

Then he walks away from me, books in hand, and leaves.

He leaves.

I know there’s something wrong. Something he’s not telling me.

He’s retreated behind his walls again. He’s shutting me out.

I press my lips into a fine line and wrap my arms around myself. Still staring in the direction he went, there is only one question running through my mind.

Why is he running away?

Chapter Twenty-Five

For the next few days, Viridian avoids me. He doesn’t even come to dinner.

I make it my mission to speak to him, but somehow, he continues to evade me.

Frustrated, I march through the halls, aiming for my bedchamber. I reach the top of the stairs, when Lymseia comes in my direction.

“Cryssa,” she says, her expression tight.

“What is it?” Concern prickles the skin on my arms.

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