Ellie POV
I stood outside Alaric’s study, smoothing the front of my blouse anxiously before I knocked. There was really no reason to feel nervous. I had hardly slept last night and my conversation with Cassian had been both comforting and further complicated my feelings.
Maybe that was the reason that I was nervous about the unexpected summons from Alaric that had come this morning.
“Come in,” his familiar voice called.
He was seated behind the old oak desk, papers spread in neat rows, glasses perched low on his nose. He looked up when I entered, his expression softening instantly.
“Ellie,” he said warmly, motioning me inside. “I was just about to send Cassian to find you.”
I smiled faintly. “I thought I’d save him the trouble.”
He gestured toward the chair opposite him. “Sit. The
