Chapter 257: Lost Time, Eternal Bonds

**Thelma Zane’s POV:** Once the whirlwind of emotions settled, a quiet awkwardness filled the air. Aldrich and I found ourselves lost in an uneasy silence, both of us unsure of what to say next. He clung to my hand with an intensity that seemed to anchor him, yet his gaze was fixed on the ornate murals adorning the temple walls. It was as if he had suddenly become an art enthusiast, finding a new fascination in every brushstroke and chisel mark. His face, flushed a deep crimson, betrayed his nervousness. Sensing his discomfort, I decided to break the silence, hoping to ease the tension before he wished the ground would swallow him whole. "So... you mentioned something about ‘my believers’?" I asked, my voice light, aiming to draw him back into conversation. Finally, Aldrich dared to meet my eyes, though it was only a fleeting glance before he shyly averted his gaze again. "Yes," he confirmed with a nod. "Your believers, your kin, your servants, and your friends." I couldn’t help bu