Page 65 of Daughter of the Serpent

He raised his hands, feigning innocence. “I was merely being friendly!” Yet, his smirk didn’t falter.

Sylvie rolled her eyes and turned back to Thyra, offering her a quick farewell before ushering Haldor toward the dimly lit corridor, away from prying eyes.

Once they were alone, Sylvie turned on him, her hand firm on her hip. “What are you actually doing here, Haldor?”

His ever - present smirk flickered, something more serious shadowing his features. “I thought we should talk.” He shifted then, rolling his shoulders back.

“About what?” She crossed her arms, feigning disinterest.

“The casting. The runes.” He arched his eyebrow.

Her gaze dropped to her feet. “What about it?”

His brows knitted in confusion. “What do you mean,what about it?” His voice dipped lower, almost incredulous. “You don’t think that merits conversation? I’ve never seen anything like it, Sylvie.” A smirk ghosted his lips. “Your magic was extraordinary. Your whole body was encased in light. You healed Thyra in front of everyone.”

“And yet,” she murmured, glancing around the corridor, mindful of lingering stares, “it seems to have earned me more enemies than friends.”

Haldor’s gaze swept the temple halls before settling back on her.

“Maybe you shouldn’t attend the classes,” he suggested cautiously. “I could train you alone. Somewhere safer. Somewhere… less complicated.”

She let out a slow breath, exhaustion threading through her limbs. “You sound like Runa. She’s already made arrangements.”

“Sylvie.” His voice softened, edged with something she almost mistook for sympathy. “Maybe she’s right. People don’t all see what I see. It might be wise to stay out of sight for now.”

Her eyes narrowed, the weight of his words settling uncomfortably in her chest. She wasn’t sure why they stung so much - perhaps because she already knew he was right. Or maybe because it felt like yet another chain, another way to keep her small, unseen. But more than that, it was the ease with which he agreed, aligning himself with Runa, the elders, and all the others who seemed to prefer she stay hidden, tucked away in shadow.

She had spent her whole life on the outskirts, lurking in the dark, dodging judgment like arrows aimed for the chest. Now, when she had finallydone something good, something undeniable - she was being told to shrink again, to hide away like she was the one in the wrong.

“The whole temple will be alive with the knowledge of what you did soon enough,” Haldor continued. “I fear their judgment will be harsher than before.”

Her stomach twisted, the truth of it sinking in.

“It seems I can do no right in this place,” she muttered, exasperated. “I saved a life. Ihealedsomeone in front of everyone - and still, they treat me like a leper, without cure.”

Haldor exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair. “The runes refused to reveal your fate, and you were deemed unworthy. That’s all they see. Not a girl who saved a life. Not someone whowields magic unlike any they’ve seen. They only care about what the gods deem right and wrong.”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “I know, Haldor.” Her voice turned quiet, yet laced with frustration. “I know they’ll find any excuse to despise me.”

His hand brushed against hers. “Either way,” he murmured, his eyes meeting hers, scores of liquid blue catching her breath. “You were a sight to behold.” His voice dipped lower, rougher. “I don’t think I’ll ever get that image of you out of my mind.” His thumb ghosted over her knuckles, as soft as a whispered kiss. “You were like… a goddess.”

Sylvie’s breath hitched. She looked up at him then, and when she met his gaze - those steely blue eyes locking onto hers - her heart betrayed her, swelling despite itself.

How long had she yearned for such an acknowledgement - especially from him?

For that single miniscule moment she wished she could stay there. To just get lost in the lines of his face, the dimple that flashed in his cheek, and in those varying shades of blue. As she looked at him, really looked at him, she could see why so many of the women desired him. He had that quality, that certain something.

He was everything a Mardovian woman could ever want.

Loyal to the temple. Handsome, beyond a fault. Lethal, without doubt.

One could easily fall in love with someone like Haldor.

But such a luxury was not one she could afford.

Darting her eyes away she pinned her focus back on what she could control.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea for us to be seen together right now.” she said cautiously, stepping deeper into the shadows.