Shocked looks met my gaze from all sides. The element of surprise had been on my side—I was good at that.

But only now did it dawn on me how stupid this action actually was. It hadn't been part of the plan. I had put myself in danger. But now it was too late.

Above all, Eryon's gaze burned itself into my memory.

Time seemed to stand still for a moment. His dark eyes fixed on me, reflecting so many emotions—anger, fear... and something that froze me. Worry .

Then I knew.

His letter had been a lie.

If he didn't love me—or at least something like that—he wouldn't have...