127. Weight of Bond

|| Lilac’s POV || The ride home was a blur, the world outside the car window passing by in a haze of lights and shadows. My so-called mate— I still didn’t know his name— sat beside me, his presence a constant reminder of the bond I didn’t want. He tried to make conversation, his voice gentle and kind, but I couldn’t bring myself to respond. “My name is Elias,” he said, his tone soft. I stayed quiet. “You are Lilac, right? Lilac Blackwood? I admire your father. I am a warrior from the royal army.” he introduced himself. I couldn’t utter a word. As if my voice was gone. “Is the car comfortable? Do you want some water? Or food or dessert?” he tried to make conversation but I stayed numb. “I know this is overwhelming, but I want you to know that I’ll be here for you and I promise I will be patient with you.” he said in the end. I nodded, my eyes fixed on the window. His words were kind, but they brought no comfort. How could they, when all I could think about was Alaric? The way his eyes h