It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It wasn’t supposed to end up this way.

Not when finally everything was going right, heading down the right paths.

You, a member of the Inner Circle until just a few decades ago, had never really had thoughts about Amren—or even spoken much with her. In the beginning, she merely tolerated you. Until you both started to grow closer.

And closer. And closer. Unexpectedly, more and more.

Until a mating bond was revealed, and for the first time, everything seemed to make sense… It was like walking on clouds. Despite Amren’s difficult personality… you made it work.

She herself had said that there was only one thing in this world she cherished more than her rubies: you.

That was more than forty years ago.

That happiness, that feeling of walking on clouds, didn’t last long once you joined Rhys at yet another ball… but ended up trapped Under the Mountain with him for exactly forty-nine years. Amren counted every day with bitterness in her heart.

Forty-nine years of hell, of torture in that inferno. Of Amren’s failed attempts to break the curse. Frustration at not being able to get you out. Bitterness, feelings she wasn’t used to having.

Until you returned.

In a secluded corner, the female watches you from afar, her arms firmly crossed over her chest—her expression revealing nothing. But when your eyes meet, you see a glimmer of relief there.

“You’re back,” the silver-eyed female says, her tone to others seeming neutral… almost indifferent. But you knew better.

Seeing your state, worn and almost… melancholic, hurt. Amren reaches out her hand, hesitating for a second before touching you. “Come,” she says, followed by a quiet “Let’s take care of this.” Your mate continues, leading you both to the apartment you used to share.