I let Aeliana lead me to a quieter spot, somewhere far from the chaos I'd created. The adrenaline was still coursing through me, every nerve buzzing with anger and regret.
I wanted to turn around, to go back and give Nathaniel another punch just for good measure, but Aeliana's hand was wrapped around mine, her fingers warm and firm, and it anchored me, kept me from losing myself completely in the rage.
We stopped under a sprawling oak tree, its leaves whispering softly in the breeze. The world around us felt muted, the sounds of the castle fading into a distant hum.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but my thoughts were still spinning, my fists still clenched at my sides.