Chapter 22

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over Kaden’s estate as Althea made her way through the gardens. She walked slowly, her limp more pronounced after an exhausting day of keeping up with the bustling energy of the packhouse. The estate had begun to feel more like a home, but there were still moments,moments like this,when doubt crept in, twisting its way through her mind and settling like a weight in her chest. Althea stopped near a stone bench overlooking a small fountain, letting herself rest for a moment. The sound of trickling water was soothing, and she closed her eyes, trying to ignore the aching in her leg. She’d never gotten used to the stares, the whispers that followed her limp, and even though Kaden always treated her with nothing but care, the nagging voice in her head wouldn’t let her believe it was enough. “You look tired,” a voice interrupted, smooth and confident. Althea opened her eyes to see Bianca approaching, her tall frame casting a long shadow over t