Chapter 338

AURELIA’S POV Draven’s smirk widened. “Ah, I see the realization finally dawns.” Something in me turned cold — not with fear, but fury. “Then that’s not my burden to carry,” I said. Gasps echoed through the clearing. My father’s eyes snapped to me, disbelief and rage flashing across his face. “Aurelia—” “No,” I said, louder this time. My voice trembled, but it carried. “You made this deal, Father. You promised something you had no right to promise. Why should I suffer for your greed? Why should I bleed to pay for the power you wanted?” The words left my mouth before I could stop them, before I could think about what they meant. The silence that followed was absolute. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Draven’s smirk faded — not because he was angry, but because for once, he hadn’t expected this. My father, on the other hand, looked like he’d been struck. His lips parted, but no words came out. I had seen him angry before — furious, even — but I had never seen him speechless. “You