43.

The tension in the room from Arin’s abrupt intrusion lingered in the air. Aeryn’s heart still raced from the encounter, her mind replaying Arin’s sharp words: *“She doesn’t belong here.”*

She tried to focus on her breathing, on the gentle touch of Alex’s hands still cupping her face, but her emotions were a tangled mess. Part of her wanted to run—escape this strange world, where she was constantly told she was out of place. Another part wanted to lean into Alex’s warmth, the safety he seemed to promise every time he looked at her.

Alex’s eyes softened as he watched her, his hands steady and gentle against her skin. “You’re thinking too much,” he said quietly, his voice like a balm to her frazzled nerves.

“I can’t help it,” Aeryn whispered, dropping her gaze. “Arin was right, Alex. I don’t belong here. I never asked for this.” She bit her lip, the weight of the situation bearing down on her. “I’m just… human. What am I supposed to do in a world like this?”

Alex’s jaw tightened slightly, and he let his hands fall from her face to rest at her sides, his fingers brushing lightly against her arms. “You’re not just human,” he said firmly. “You’re stronger than any of them realize. And that’s exactly why I chose you.”

Aeryn’s heart fluttered at his words, but doubt still clouded her thoughts. “But I don’t understand why. Why me, Alex? Why bring me into this?” She stepped back, needing space to clear her mind. “I didn’t ask to be queen or to be dragged into your world. You say I’m strong, but I don’t feel that way.”

Alex followed her retreat, his expression unwavering. “You don’t see it now, but you will,” he said, his voice low but insistent. “You survived everything up until this point, haven’t you? That takes strength. And if anyone—*anyone*—dares question your place here, they’ll answer to me.”

Aeryn swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she met his gaze. His intensity was palpable, but she wasn’t sure if it was enough to silence the doubts clawing at her. “But what about Arin? She’s not just anyone. She’s your cousin, your queen. What if she refuses to accept me? I could feel it… the hatred in her eyes.”

Alex’s expression darkened at the mention of Arin’s jealousy. “Arin will come around,” he said tightly, though Aeryn wasn’t convinced. “She’s loyal to the kingdom, even if she can’t see the bigger picture right now. But make no mistake, Aeryn. Her feelings for you don’t matter. I’m the one who decides the future here.”

Aeryn felt the weight of his words settle over her, but the pit in her stomach refused to fade. *What if it wasn’t enough?*

“I don’t want to cause any more trouble between you and her,” Aeryn whispered, looking down at her hands. “It feels like I’m tearing things apart, even without meaning to.”

Alex took her hands in his, his grip firm but comforting. “You’re not causing trouble. Arin has her own demons to deal with. You’re just… new. Different. And she’s never liked change.” His gaze softened as he tilted her chin up to meet his eyes. “But I won’t let her—or anyone—stand between us.”

Aeryn’s breath hitched at his words, the conviction in his voice wrapping around her like a protective shield. She wanted to believe him, to trust that his strength could carry them through whatever came next. But the fear that she would never truly belong in his world lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind.

“Alex…” she began, but before she could finish, the door to his chamber opened once again—this time with a quieter, more measured entrance.

Arin stood in the doorway, her expression still fierce but now tinged with something else. Regret, perhaps? She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking between Alex and Aeryn before she stepped further inside.

“I came to apologize,” Arin said, her voice clipped but sincere. “I spoke out of line earlier.”

Aeryn blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected an apology, not after the venom in Arin’s words just moments ago. She glanced at Alex, who was watching his cousin with a guarded expression.

Alex crossed his arms, his posture still defensive. “Go on,” he said coldly.

Arin squared her shoulders, her gaze settling on Aeryn. “I don’t know you,” she said bluntly, though there was no longer malice in her tone. “And I’m not used to outsiders being part of our world. But if Alex believes you are fit to be queen, then I will trust his judgment.”

Aeryn’s heart raced as she processed Arin’s words. It wasn’t exactly an acceptance, but it was something. She opened her mouth to respond, but Arin wasn’t finished.

“That doesn’t mean I trust you,” Arin added, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You’ll have to prove yourself, human. Prove that you’re more than just a burden Alex has chosen to carry.”

“Arin—” Alex began, but Aeryn stepped forward, cutting him off.

“I understand,” Aeryn said, her voice firmer than she expected. She met Arin’s gaze, refusing to flinch this time. “You don’t have to trust me. But I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t choose to be here. So if I have to prove myself, I will. But don’t expect me to apologize for being chosen.”

Aeryn’s words hung in the air, and for a moment, even Alex looked surprised by her boldness. She felt her heart pounding in her chest, but she stood her ground. Arin’s eyes flickered with something—respect, maybe?—before she nodded once, curtly.

“We’ll see,” Arin said, turning her attention back to Alex. “I have business to attend to. But you should prepare her. Things are changing fast, and if she’s to survive here, she needs to be ready.”

With that, Arin turned on her heel and left the room, the door closing softly behind her. Aeryn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, her shoulders sagging with the release of tension.

Alex was at her side in an instant, his hands on her shoulders as he looked at her with a mixture of pride and concern. “That was brave,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You didn’t have to stand up to her like that.”

Aeryn smiled faintly, though her heart still felt heavy. “I did, though,” she murmured. “If I’m going to survive here, I can’t just let people walk all over me. Not even Arin.”

Alex’s lips curved into a small smile, his eyes glinting with admiration. “You’re stronger than you know, Aeryn.”

She leaned into his touch, her body finally relaxing as she allowed herself to feel the comfort of his presence. Maybe she wasn’t as weak as she thought. Maybe, with Alex by her side, she could find a way to navigate this strange new world.

But one thing was certain—her journey had only just begun, and there were far more battles ahead.