[Alvar's POV — ThorenVald Estate—Moments Earlier]
I hadn't meant to walk toward the Hall. I told myself I'd stay in my room. I told myself distance was the answer, that space would protect both of us. That pushing him away would save him pain later.
But the moment I heard his footsteps…the moment I sensed his presence… My feet betrayed me. I turned the corner—and there he stood.
Leif.
Beside Alina. Following quietly. His eyes lowered. Shoulders small. A shell of the bright boy who used to run toward me, not away. My heart lurched so painfully I almost reached for him right then.
But he only bowed, stiffly, politely—like I was a stranger. Like I was a man he owed respect but nothing more.
And I deserved that.
So I let him walk past.
Even though my lungs burned as if I'd swallowed ice.
—
Inside the hall, everyone was laughing. Alina is glowing. Our mothers are excited.
"Leif, dear, open it—"
