Caspian didn’t hesitate as he bent down and lifted Julia into his arms. His sharp, grey eyes swept over her pale face, taking in her trembling hands and the tears clinging stubbornly to her lashes.

She was light in his arms, far too light, as though the weight of the world had hollowed her out. He carried her like she was made of glass, afraid she might shatter if he let her go.

Around him, the workers who had been gossiping fell silent, their mocking whispers dying as they saw the cold fury in his eyes. One of them, bold or foolish, stepped forward to explain.

“She’s just a gold...