But the mana exchange had changed something inside her. The breakthrough to Archmage had left her body hypersensitive, and the promise she had made… it lingered like a chain around her neck.
She had given her word. If she backed out now, what would he think? What would he do? The fear of disappointing him, of losing the strange, complicated connection they now shared, warred with her moral instincts.
Olivia turned away from the mirror and paced slowly across the room. The large bed loomed in the center, its sheets freshly changed and inviting. She stopped beside it and caressed the soft fabric with her fingers.
What kind of mother am I? she thought, tears welling in her eyes. How can I even consider this?
Yet she did not move to change her clothes. She did not lock the door. She simply stood there... waiting.
Meanwhile, Julian himself was getting ready in his room. He had changed into a shirt of fine silk, paired with simple black trousers that allowed easy movement.
