The silence that followed was deafening. Garett’s jaw tightened, while Selina’s eyes softened with something like sympathy. “You’ll understand in time,” she said gently. “This is your destiny, Calla.”
I pushed my chair back, the screech of wood against stone cutting through the quiet. “Destiny?” I laughed bitterly. “My destiny was stolen the moment I was dragged into this nightmare.”
Storming out, I walked aimlessly through the hallways, desperate for air. I stopped in a courtyard, the cool night breeze brushing my skin as I tried to steady my thoughts. How could they expect me to marry a stranger? To become someone I wasn’t?
“You’re running away already?”
The voice startled me. I turned to see Jacob stepping out of the shadows. “What do you want?” I snapped.
“To talk,” he said calmly. “You’re not the only one who didn’t ask for this. But we don’t always get to choose our paths.”
I crossed my arms, shielding myself from his gaze. “And what if I refuse? What if I walk away?”
Jacob stepped closer. “Then you’ll face the consequences. In this world, running isn’t an option.”