Chapter 56

• Serena
• The next day dawned with a heaviness mirroring the weight in my heart. As I walked through our makeshift camp, I noticed Alexei sitting alone, his usual lively eyes dull and clouded with sadness. Guilt gnawed at me for the harsh words I had spoken to him the day before.
• Approaching him, I hesitated before sitting down beside him. "Alexei," I began, my voice softer than before, "I... I didn't mean to hurt you yesterday."