Chapter 54: A Choice
Eira leaned back against the hospital pillow, her face was pale but calm.
She looked at Callian, her fingers still clutched his sleeve.
For a moment, she just watched him, as if gathering courage. Then she took a slow breath, almost whispering.
"I knew about the tumour," she said, looking down at her hands. "I've known for a while."
Callian stared at her, stunned. "You… you knew? And you didn't say anything?"
She kept her head down, as if afraid to meet his eyes. "After my father… after everything, I didn't see much reason to tell anyone. I thought… it'd be better to just let things happen."
A quiet fury rose in Callian's chest. "Better? Better for who, Eira?"
She looked away, blinking rapidly.
Her hands trembled in her lap, fingers twisted together. "I didn't want anyone to be angry with me. I didn't want… to be a burden. That's why I agreed to the contract, Callian. Just one year."
