-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 26-

Alora's POV

When I didn't hear anything from his side, I couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration washing over me. All I wanted was some clarity, a straightforward answer. Did Alaric share the same feelings I had for him, or was I alone in this emotional turmoil?

His avoidance of the question, fueled my frustration. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was deliberately dodging the truth, leaving me to wonder if there was any truth to my hopes and desires.

The words slipped out before I could stop them, "Isn't it clear, Fiorella? He doesn't like me. Why would someone like him ever be interested in someone like me?"

Alaric's brows furrowed, his eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and irritation. He demanded, "What the hell do you mean by 'someone like me' and 'someone like you'?"

Caught off guard, my words stumbled out, a desperate attempt to express my insecurities. "I mean, you're the son of the king, for one. There's that whole royal blood factor. And even if we set that aside, just like Asher used to look down on us, who's to say you won't do the same? Maybe that's why you don't like me?"

Alaric shook his head, frustration seeping into his voice, "I never said whether I like you or not. And what do you truly know about me, about my feelings? As for the royal blood factor, newsflash, Alora—I despise being the son of a dickhead. I despise being born into this tangled web of royalty. If I wanted to look down on you guys, I would've never gotten close to any of you."

My stubbornness refused to relent, my voice laced with defiance, "Well, whatever. Even after getting close, you still hid things from us."

Fiorella, sensing the tension, intervened, her voice calm yet firm, "Alora, let's put an end to this argument."

Alaric's eyes held a hint of bitterness as he retorted, "As if I care, Alora. I was stupid enough to apologize for keeping secrets from you." His voice trembled, a mixture of regret and frustration adding complexity to the situation.

In that moment, I couldn't help but question myself. Why had I started this pointless fight? Was it solely because he hadn't professed his love to me? Did I truly expect him to shout his affections from the rooftops? But did he even feel that way? Did he genuinely love me?

Still, I couldn't resist delivering one final blow, a feeble attempt to regain control, "Well, even if you do like me, just know that I don't care."

Fiorella's widened eyes conveyed her shock as she exclaimed, "Alora, are you serious?"

Alaric's gaze turned bitter, his frustration reaching its peak. "As if I care, Alora. Like I said, I was foolish enough to apologize for my secrecy."

Deep down, I knew I should end this fruitless argument. But I couldn't bring myself to apologize, to admit my own recklessness. In that moment, I longed to possess Fiorella's calm and composure, her ability to avoid senseless fights, always poised in the face of conflict. Yet, I was the complete opposite—impulsive, quick to anger, forever entangled in trouble.

As I struggled to find the right words, a pang of regret washed over me. Why couldn't I simply put an end to it? Why couldn't I apologize and acknowledge my own foolishness? The answer eluded me as I stood there, lost in the tempest of emotions swirling around me.

With a hint of sarcasm, I couldn't help but speak my mind, unable to suppress the urge, "One thing's for sure, though, despite your royal blood, you're still flawed."

Fiorella looked at me, eyes filled with disbelief and frustration. "Are you out of your mind, Alora?" She couldn't comprehend my reckless behavior.

"Maybe I am. Maybe I am not. It's almost comical, I think Aybars is much better-" The name slipped out before I could halt it.