Page 115 of The Last Guardian

No, it was his words that echoed through my soul.

Don’t mistake silence for indifference.

I’m trying really hard to stay away from you.

THE HOUSE WAS already filled with people when I stepped inside the dining room. My light cream dress gracefully swept the floor while slits on each side of the dress revealed my legs, reaching up to my thighs when I walked. The elegant sleeves just below my shoulders exposed my upper arms, closing at my wrist. The fabric wrapped around my neck held the entire dress together, only by a soft tie at the nape.

Grandmother would be outraged by this dress—it didn’t conceal enough to prevent the imagination of others from picturing the rest of my body. My hair flowed down my spine, blending the various hues of my light and dark brown strands.

The long table was set with a variety of dishes and drinks, and the chatter and music drowned out the sound of silverware clattering against plates. The table was already full, with around thirty people present.

Most were already sitting, with our names neatly written for our places. Still, the hosts weren’t here yet. The seat next to me, Nefeli’s, was empty, as was the one opposite, Zaidkiel’s.

Even as hosts, the Kaeningtons didn’t take their place for granted and sat in the middle of the table, not at each end, where most royalty would sit.

No game of power here.

My thoughts wandered to what had happened last night for a split moment, flashes of green stares and candlelight.

Don’t mistake silence for indifference.

I’m trying hard to stay away from you.

I shook the thought away, concentrating on the few discussions playing in front of me.

“You’re growling most of the time,” Sam exhaled, playing with his blond hair. “It’s like you’re losing your shape, General.”

Dax glared at his soldier, his finger curling on his pint. “I’m going to throw you from the peak of Mount Lys—and then we’ll see who’s in shape.”

“Yeah, right,” Sam scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Don’t be too hungover this time—or else your ass will be stuck in a tree like last time.”

Bennett barked a laugh so loud that everyone turned to look at them. Dax smiled, drinking his ale. “Can’t wait to beat your ass in the morning.”

Laughter burst all around us. My eyes drifted to the figure who had just entered the dining room. Arystan. Since dinner wasn’t ready yet, I stood up and made my way toward the hearth to meet him.

But a hand curled at my arm, and I was dragged into someone’s hard chest. The person brought me into a little hall, away from the buzzing of the living room.

My heart stopped when Zaidkiel’s green eyes met mine, and the burning sensation from them was more intense than any fire.

I swallowed hard, painfully aware of the little distance between us. I took a step back, his hand letting go of my arm.

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest, reverberating through mine at my movement. “I want to have a little chat with you.” Zaidkiel leaned forward, his hot breath caressing my ear, whispering, “About your little trick last night.”

My whole body stiffened. Zaidkiel took a step back, his gaze still locked on mine.

“I don’t recall anything disturbing happening last night.” The lie burned my tongue. “Why? Did you dream of me?” I arched a brow, ignoring what he was talking about.

I wanted to know what this sort of vision was. I was curious why it had happened, but I didn’t want to speak of it with him. Not with others either, actually.

He snorted, his eyes glinting in amusement. “Well, since your face is turning red, I think I can safely assume that you know exactly what I’m talking about.” He chuckled. “At least I’m not the only one bothered by it.”

Oh, his arrogant personality had come back. Great!

“And? What about it?” My voice betrayed my irritation as I crossed my arms on my chest.

“How did you do it?” Zaidkiel asked. His eyes darkened, bringing me back to the trance we had been stuck in last night.

I blinked at his question. Why did he think I could have done it?