?Chapter 631:


    Gratefully, I sipped the cool liquid, feeling it ease the fire in my throat. Once the ss was empty, I hesitated, the question gnawing at me.


    “Evie, did anyonee to my roomst night?”


    She frowned and then shook her head. “No, Makenna. After Prince yton left, no one else came.”


    Hearing his name made my chest tighten. Images of yton’s hurried departure shed through my mind, the weight of his absence pressing down on me. But the whisper lingered in my thoughts, relentless. See? I warned you. They’re not to be trusted.


    And then, there was the fragrance—subtle but unmistakable. Its presence hadforted me like nothing else.


    The fragrance…


    A realization struck, and my heart raced. Could it have been him? The mysterious wizard who once saved me? That unique scent was his signature, unlike anything I had ever encountered. But how? The pce was fortified, crawling with guards at every corner. How could anyone—let alone him—have entered undetected?


    I was so frustrated. My mind spun with questions, each one more unsettling than thest.


    Evie ced aforting hand on mine. “Makenna, don’t overthink it right now. Your fever just broke, and you’re still weak. Focus on eating first.”


    Reluctantly, I nodded, setting the thoughts aside for the moment. The warm bowl of oatmeal she served was simple but soothing, and I felt some strength return with every bite.


    As my energy grew, so did my guilt. Evelyn had risked her health for me, enduring an asthma attack in the process. I owed her more than gratitude.


    “Evie,” I said softly, setting my spoon down, “please prepare some fruit and a few gifts. I need to visit Evelyn.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    With a mix of unease and regret swirling inside me, I made my way to the hospital, my steps heavy with anticipation. A kind nurse offered guidance and led me to Evelyn’s room. The door was slightly open, so I knocked lightly, the sound of my knuckles tapping against the wood echoing in the quiet air.


    From inside came a soft voice. “Come in.”


    I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the turmoil inside me before pushing the door open.


    Inside, Evelyn was alone, sitting on the bed with a book nestled in her hands. Yesterday’s turmoil had not dulled her beauty; instead, it had draped her in a quiet grace, a softness that spoke of vulnerability. When her eyesnded on me, a brief flicker of surprise crossed them, followed by a gentle smile that reached her eyes.


    “It’s you, Makenna. Come in, have a seat,” she said, her voice a soothing balm.


    I felt a bit out of ce, carrying the gifts I had prepared as a token of my apology. I walked inside, unsure of how to ease the awkwardness hanging in the air.


    “Miss Nixon, how are you feeling now?” I ced the gifts on the table, offering a small, tentative smile. “I brought you some fruits and supplements. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”


    Evelyn’s smile brightened the room, her warmth almost tangible. “I’m fine now, don’t worry,” she replied. Her gaze softened as she looked at me, her concern unmistakable. “But what about you? Did you catch a cold? You really scared me yesterday.”


    I shook my head quickly, guilt tightening in my chest. “No, I’m fine. It’s just…” My voice faltered, and I added quietly, “It’s because of me that your asthma red up.”


    “It was nothing.” Evelyn waved off my apology, her smile still warm and reassuring. “If anyone should apologize, it’s me. Did I scare you when my asthma kicked in?”


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