Somewhere inside a forest close to the ancient ruins.
"Why did you do it, dammit?!"
Lucien's voice echoed with a fury Seles had never heard from him before.
For once, the ever-simp prince looked like he might punch a wall—or her.
He stood with clenched fists, his violet eyes filled with many emotions.
His heart pounded with fury.
"Answer me," he demanded.
Seles looked up at him, eyes wide, lips shivering.
Her hands trembled just enough to be noticed. Her whole figure seemed smaller and fragile.
"I—I just wanted to save you," she whispered, with a shaky voice. "I didn't have a choice..."
Her shoulders lowered slightly as if the weight of guilt was too much.
"Do you think I wanted to leave Aurelia behind? She was… she was surrounded. I panicked. I thought she would follow right behind us…"
Tears welled up in her eyes, just enough to show her emotions.
Lucien stared at her, breathing hard. He didn't reply.
