Forbidden Flames

Chapter Sixty Three

As the sun rose over the castle, I found myself pacing the stone floor of my room, my thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and anticipation. Today, my parents were arriving. I knew I had to face them, tell them the truth I'd been hiding for so long. I couldn't marry Alaric. I wouldn't marry Alaric. I was determined to pay off their debt myself, no matter what it took.

I glanced out the window, the castle grounds spread out below me. Servants moved about, carrying out their morning duties, unaware of the storm brewing in my heart. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that lay ahead. I needed to be strong. Cassian's love had given me that strength, a purpose beyond the obligations that had once bound me.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a servant standing there, her eyes downcast. "Lady Lilith, your parents have arrived," she said quietly. "They're waiting for you in the east drawing room."

"Thank you," I replied, my voice steady despite the nerves tightening in my stomach. The servant nodded and slipped away, leaving me to gather my courage.

I smoothed down my dress, the emerald fabric brushing against my skin, and made my way out of my room. The corridors seemed longer today, each step echoing in my mind, counting down to the inevitable confrontation. As I approached the drawing room, I saw Cassian standing at the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall. His presence was a comfort, his eyes meeting mine with a silent promise of support. He offered me a small, encouraging smile, and I nodded, taking strength from his unwavering gaze.

I pushed open the door to the drawing room and stepped inside. My parents were seated on a settee near the window, my father's face lined with worry, my mother's eyes sharp and questioning. They rose to their feet as I entered, my mother's gaze narrowing as she took in my appearance.

"Lilith," my father said, his voice warm but laced with concern. "You look well."

"Thank you, Father," I replied, my voice steady. I took a deep breath, meeting my mother's gaze. "I need to talk to you both. About Alaric, and about our family's debt."

My mother's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and fear. "Lilith, we've discussed this. Marrying Alaric is the best way to secure our family's future. You cannot simply—"

"No," I interrupted, my voice firmer than I'd expected. "I can't marry him, Mother. I won't. I love someone else, and I'm going to pay off our debt myself. I'll find a way."

My mother's face turned red, her mouth opening and closing as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You foolish girl," she hissed. "You don't understand the consequences of your actions. This is not about love. This is about survival."

My mother began to pace in front of the large windows, her posture rigid, hands clasped tightly together.

She stopped abruptly and turned to face me, her eyes sharp, cutting through me like daggers.

"Your father and I are worried. We've heard things—things about you and August." She said his name like it was something distasteful. "Is there any truth to what we've been hearing?"

I hesitated, knowing this moment had been coming but still feeling unprepared. I glanced at my father, who watched me with concern in his eyes, but he remained silent, letting my mother take the lead.

"Yes," I said finally, my voice steady despite the nerves twisting in my stomach. "There is truth to it. August and I... we care about each other."

My mother's eyes widened in disbelief, her hands clenching into fists. "Care about each other? Lilith, he is not the right match for you. His family is a mess right now, and with his father being the dark one , he's barely holding it together. You know how important it is for you to make a good match. You cannot be serious about him."