Chapter 97: Something Is Shifting

Sadiki wandered through the palace gardens, the cool evening breeze brushing past him.

The remnants of last night festivities still lingered in his mind, Eirik laughing with Kaelix, the people cheering, the joy in the air.

Yet, amid all the celebration, there was a tug at his heart that refused to be ignored.

It wasn't the same longing he once felt for Eirik, though; it was something more elusive, something that had begun to stir ever since Drystan started finding ways to be around him.

As if on cue, Sadiki heard the familiar sound of footsteps trailing behind him. He didn't need to look back to know who it was.

"Following me again, Drystan?" Sadiki called over his shoulder, a smile tugging at his lips despite the conflict brewing inside him.

Drystan caught up to him effortlessly, a teasing grin on his face. "What can I say? You have a certain charm that's hard to resist."