Chapitre 21: Chapter 21: The Banquet and the Past II

Seraphina’s POV

I tried to catch my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “I... I couldn’t face him, Alfred. Eric... he’s here. He’ll recognize me and ruin everything.”

Alfred’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “You can’t just run away, Seraphina. You need to face this. You can't just back out, not now.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head. “I can’t. I’m not strong enough.”

“Seraphina,” Alfred’s voice was calm and steady, cutting through my tumultuous thoughts like a beacon. His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and determination. “Tell me, what's this really about?”

I turned to face him, my voice trembling. “I can’t do this, Alfred. I don’t belong here. It's only a matter of time before somebody finds out who I really am, and then what next? Do you know what the punishment for high treason is? The Vanderwoods aren't exactly known for their mercy. I’m just an ordinary girl.”