The Illusion of Surrender

MAEVIA

I stood quietly inside the central hall of Highreach Moon Estate after Torin finished explaining his conditions regarding my mother's ashes. My chest still felt heavy, but I no longer had the energy to argue with him again.

"One week is not permanent," he said calmly while watching me closely. "Don't misunderstand the arrangement, Maevia. Even after I return the ashes, I still expect you to