Chapter 331

AURELIA’S POV The corridor outside Derek’s study felt colder than the night air itself. My steps echoed softly, each one heavier than the last. I didn’t even know where I was going — I just needed to move, to get away before the walls closed in and suffocated me with the truth I’d just heard. When I turned the corner, I collided with a solid figure. “Whoa,” a familiar voice caught me before I stumbled. “Aurelia?” I looked up — Kael. His eyes softened instantly when he saw my expression. His hand hovered awkwardly near my shoulder, as if afraid to touch me but unwilling to let me fall. “Aurelia, what happened? Did Derek—” “He told me,” I interrupted, my voice hoarse. “Everything.” Kael froze, surprise flickering across his features before he sighed. “So… you know.” I nodded once, my throat tight. For a moment, he just studied me, like he was trying to read what was left of me after the confession. Then, cautiously, he asked, “And how do you feel?” “How do I feel?” I repeated, a bitter l