Page 123 of Scars and Burns

“I- I’m…” I start but she cuts me off.

“I don’t even want to hear it! I hate you! I hate you both! And I never want to see either of you again!”

“Saphrina!” I shout, taking a step towards her.

“No! Don’t come near me! You betrayed me! I’ve defended you. Been there for you all these years and this is how you repay me? With treachery! By stabbing me in the back! And you!” She shouts, pointing a finger at Aeron. “You stabbed me in the heart! You made me feel like no one ever has! You made me feel seen. Like I was more than just someone with a blessed Goddess mark.”

I snicker at that. A mark she doesn’t even have. A mark she nevertruly had.

As if Aeron read my thoughts, he says, “And what blessed mark would that be?”

Saphrina freezes.

Glancing back to me. I leave my face blank and expressionless.

What he is asking is harsh and a little too forthcoming. But it’s time. Time she stops being so naive and grows up.

I let it unfold. I do not bother defending or helping her. She needs to stand on her own two feet for once.

Saphrina doesn’t say another word. She storms off. Exiting my room as quickly as she came.

I lean in to him. Reassuring myself that he is here with me. In the event, that I am banished from the castle.

He grips my hip tighter. Drawing me into him as well. Turning me so our bodies are flushed once again. Resting my head on his strong chest. I curl my arms into myself as I feel his wrap around me even tighter.

My confidence has always been a facade. Standing tall with my head held high. Ignoring the wandering eyes and loose lips. What else was I to do but stand alone.

But now, I am not alone.

52

Aeron

After leaving King Elio, I teleport to my Father’s study. And I’m shocked to see that he is not alone.

“What are they doing here?”

“Ah, Prince Aeron, what a surprise. We were not expecting you.” My Father says.

I don’t say anything.

My Father just looks at me. His usual arrogance shining through.

“I am sure you have been acquainted with King Charon, Queen Ayla, and Prince Proteus of the Celestial Realm.”

“Yes, what are they doing here?” I ask again, through gritted teeth.

“Come now, is that any way to acknowledge your brother.”

My head whips toward Prince Proteus. His demeanor is different. Bolder. Cockier.

“What did you just say?”

His gaze drifts to my Father and mine follows.

My Father clears his throat, “Yes, probably should have told you sooner but Prince Proteus is your half-brother.”

Shock races through me.

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