Chapter 53

The morning light streamed through the large windows of the estate, illuminating the polished wooden floors of the dining hall. Althea sat at the long table, absently stirring her tea with a spoon, her gaze fixed on the swirling liquid but her thoughts elsewhere. It had been days since her last conversation with Kaden in the training yard, and although he had reassured her, doubt still lingered like a shadow. She wanted to believe him,needed to,but the question of her mother’s death had become a constant hum in the back of her mind, growing louder with every passing moment. “Good morning.” Kaden’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to see him entering the room. He was already dressed for the day, his black shirt rolled up at the sleeves, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his face. “Morning,” Althea replied, forcing a small smile. Kaden approached, his silver eyes scanning her face. “You look like you didn’t sleep.” She shrugged, setting the spoon down. “