"I'll become stronger," he whispered, clutching the charm tightly. "For her. For myself. I'll prove that I can protect what matters without losing who I am." Dimitri was confident when he said this. He understood their policies but he felt like he could strike a balance.
But as he lay down that night, staring at the ceiling, doubt crept into his mind. Could he balance the demands of the Mage Tower with the ties that made him human? Or would he have to choose, as the Arch Mage had suggested, between power and love?
His fists clenched, even if he had to stay away from her. He wanted to help, this life he had was all because of her. He did not know where he would be if she did not take him in.
Cassian sat in the ornate study, sunlight filtering through the tall windows. A servant brought in a sealed letter on a silver tray, and Cassian immediately recognised the seal. His pulse quickened as he dismissed the servant with a curt nod.
It was from Adeline.
