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"You can cut those onions; I've been dreading it all day," Saasha replied with a hint of sarcasm while Elise joined her with a large bowl.

I furrowed my brows at the sight of the piled vegetables, spices, and meat on the table. "Are we expecting someone?" I asked, gesturing towards the abundance of food.

"Sir Alder is throwing a grand feast for tomorrow. He's invited several courtiers and friends!" Elise exclaimed with excitement,a surprise considering her usual demeanor. My expression fell at the thought of a dinner party with Levon's acquaintances, especially before leaving for the king.

"A party?" I echoed, my voice barely concealing my distaste for such gatherings. Pushing aside my feelings, I grabbed the onions and a knife, ready to lend a hand.

"I was joking about the onions, Eliah," Saasha clarified, her expression mirroring my initial concern before softening into a warm smile that seemed to say,I'm glad you're okay.

"No, I insist. You both have done so much for me, and I've only been the Lord's snotty orphan everyone expected me to be." The pungent aroma of the onions intensified in the steamy room, stinging my eyes like tiny daggers. I blinked back the tears and chopped through them as swiftly as possible, determined not to lose a finger in the process.

"Eliah, no one has ever thought that of you. We know your monsters," Elise said softly, stepping closer to me. "We were so worried," she paused, her voice trailing off as if playing out the scene in her mind. "Levon wasterrified. We all were."

I kept chopping, my movements becoming more mechanical as tears blurred my vision, each blink intensifying the burning sensation. Levon didn't seem terrified or relieved that I was awake, nor did Kaizen. The only one who seemed genuinely concerned was now miles away, venturing towards those once vibrant trees that would now be fading into a usual green hue.

I released the knife, allowing it to clatter onto the table as I stumbled toward the now-empty basin, needing a moment to collect my burning eyes.

Saasha chuckled, taking my place and chopping the rest of the onions. I rinsed my hands and splashed water on my face, letting out a sigh of relief. "Truly, Eliah, we're glad you're okay," Saasha stated, the onion seeming to have no effect on her. I clenched the rag in my hand, feeling unworthy of such worry.

This was a mistake; I shouldn't have come down here. "I'm sorry," I muttered softly before trudging up the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last. Before I rounded the corner, I heard Levon's voice down the curved hallway, which led to a small ornate sun room that was too small for any chairs or tables.

"It's there," Levon said barely above a whisper.

"We can't let her continue—" Kaizen's deep voice hissed.

"We have no choice!" Levon spat and abruptly stopped as I stepped onto the last step.

I stopped, waiting for him to continue conversing, but he didn't as he met my gaze. He nodded toward Kaizen and walked down the hall, strutting past me, offering a fleeting, sad smile as he walked out the door.

Kaizen stopped beside me, and I shot him a scowl, grunting in annoyance before reluctantly following him toward the ballroom.

"I don't need you reporting my every move," I retorted, growing increasingly irritated by his presence and tried to push aside the uneasiness stirred by the words I overheard.

The only response was the subtle rise and fall of his muscled back, accompanied by a dismissive shake of his head before we entered the ballroom. Taking a string, he deftly pulled his hair back into a low bun, then glanced at the footman seated at the pianoforte, waiting for our arrival. As the footman looked up and sat straighter, he began to play a simple melody.

Before I could retreat, Kaizen firmly gripped my arm, drawing me closer to him.

I held my breath as my hand rested on his, the other lightly grasping his sculpted shoulder, trying to understand the familiarity of his hand in mine. Subtly, I attempted to increase the distance between us by arching my back and shiftingsideways. But his smirk widened, and he pulled me closer, refusing to allow any space between us.

His breath tingled up my neck as his feet guided mine with precision, ensuring no gap formed. We danced like that through the song, his hold unyielding until he finally released me into a twirl.

My feet stumbled as I tried to regain my balance, but he swiftly pulled me back into him.

"You seem to be enjoying this," I retorted, looking away toward the door, silently pleading for the song to end or for Elise to come save me.

A low noise rumbled in his throat as he quickly let me go, abruptly stopping right before the song ended. Another tune started, but I refused to continue, wanting to wash myself of his infuriating touch, and he didn't resist.

"Why is Levon hosting a party?" I snapped, unable to let the question settle longer.

He raised his brows, his gaze piercing as it swept over me. "Why do you think?" he sneered before turning away as if my question was beneath him.

I lunged forward, grabbing his tunic to halt his steps. "Why?" I demanded through clenched teeth. "So I can be paraded around like sometrophy?" I fumed.

"He did it to protect you, Eliah. Because he cares," Kaizen countered, his voice edged with frustration. "But maybe that's something you're incapable of understanding."

"He did it to protecthimself, clearly something you fail to comprehend," I shot back, my frustration bubbling.

His amber eyes blazed with indignation, a tangible flame that made my heart stutter with trepidation. But I refused to back down, meeting his gaze with equal intensity, determined to stand my ground.