***Aldrik***
I woke before dawn, and for the first time in months, the weight on my chest wasn't suffocating.
Cassius had told me the truth, had admitted he wasn't with Silas, had given me a "maybe" that felt like the sun breaking through storm clouds.
It wasn't a promise, it wasn't forgiveness, but it was a possibility, and that was more than I'd thought I'd ever have again.
I got out of bed and dressed with care, the same way I had every morning since arriving in Sailcrest. But today felt different. Today, I had permission to hope.
Downstairs, the smell of breakfast filled my small house. I'd hired three servants to help manage the place... more out of habit than necessity, really. The house was modest by noble standards, but I'd grown up with staff and didn't quite know how to function without them.
Lilly, the cook, looked up as I entered the kitchen. "Good morning, my lord. Breakfast is ready."
"Thank you," I said. "But could you pack it instead? For two people."
