Selene's POV
The moment Olivia fainted, I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't stand it; rather, I just ran out of the room. I was being suffocated, and if I didn't leave, I might have passed out myself too. Before anyone could stop me, I turned and ran. My footsteps echoed down the long hallway, my heart pounding loudly. I didn't know where I was going — I just needed air, space, anything that wasn't that room. By the time I burst into the garden, the night air hit me hard. I stumbled forward, gripping a stone pillar as I tried to breathe. The moonlight bathed everything in silver, but it didn't calm me. It only made the ache sharper.
Then I heard footsteps behind me — fast, urgent.
"Selene!"
I turned, and my stomach twisted. Frederick. He looked… wrecked. His usual calm was gone. His eyes were wide with worry as he reached for me. "Selene—"
"Don't," I hissed, jerking back. "Don't touch me."
He froze, his hand halfway in the air. "I just wanted to make sure you're alright."
