A month flew by quite fast for Samira. She was ready to accept Malik's request. After concluding all the preparations she came up with an excuse to get the elders off her back.
With Malik's backing, it was easy to keep them busy. Her identity as a Seeker was proving to be helpful to cover her lies.
As she got ready to perform the ritual, the thought of Lahan weighed heavily on her mind. It saddened her that she was doing something behind his back.
She knew without a doubt once he come to know, he would be hurt. No matter how much she wished to protect him, in the end it was she who would cause him more pain.
Helplessness filled her heart. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice Malik walk inside her quarters. Just like every resident of the palace, she was given enough room to feel comfortable around.
As their respected guest, she had an entire wing to herself. No one told her that the quarters she occupied once belonged to Lahan and his mother.