Chapter 77

Ariel

Unlike Dmitri who advanced toward the Father's mansion with so much poise, I rather dragged my feet across the interlogged ground; my heart pounding with apprehension.

Instinctively, he reached for my hand and entwined our fingers, then bent slightly so his mouth was at the same level as my ear.

"Are you anxious?"

I nodded vigorously as my lips took a momentary vacation at that point. Fortunately, he understood my predicament and gently pulled me closer to himself.

"Don't worry. Your parents won't do anything to you. They are just concerned about your health, that's all," He assured me confidently.

My fingers trembled even though he was...