Adrian observed his strained composure, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. âAlthough she didnât want you, there was someone who took you in without a second thought.â
His words pointed to Joelle, but Rylandâs thoughts drifted to someone else entirely.
âThatâs right. My dad was the one who loved me the most in the world.â Rylandâs expression hardened, his tone growing colder. âEven when he was dying, he cared about my future more than anything elseâunlike others.â
Joelle returned with the water she had bought, pausing at the doorway as every word of Ryland and Adrianâs conversation reached her ears.
âUnlike others. They treat me like a tool, snatching me up when Iâm useful, and discarding me when Iâm not. Adrian Miller, do you and that woman really think that by showing a little kindness, Iâd be so grateful Iâd start fawning over you? Donât even dream about it. If it wasnât for my dad, you wouldnât even have had the chance to see me. Who do you think you are? You come here and start criticizing the man who raised me. He gave his life to save me, and what did you do? All you do is talk! Iâve been living just fine for the past ten years, and it will only get better without you!â
Ryland poured out his true feelings in one breath, his tone sharp and unapologetic. Even if some of his words were exaggerated, he needed Adrian to understandâhe wasnât going to forget the pain and the past just because they were being nice to him now.
His uncle had been killed, and his motherâs fate was still a mystery. How could he ever be part of their so-called family?
Their talk of returning to Illerith was nothing more than a strategy to use him as a pawn. Once they reached Illerith, he knew theyâd toss him aside again.
He was exhausted from constantly being uprooted. When would it end? Instead of holding on to false hope, it was better to let them know nowâhe didnât care at all.
As Ryland finished speaking, his gaze flicked to the doorway, where Joelle now stood.
She looked deeply hurt, which only made Rylandâs unease grow sharper. He could feel Joelleâs kindness towards him, but it came wrapped in something suffocatingâa feeling of being molded like a doll, manipulated under the guise of love.
This suspicion, this unease, was growing stronger by the day.
âGet out!â Rylandâs voice sliced through the tense air like a whip.
Joelleâs lips parted slightly, as if to explain, but before she could say anything, Ryland hurled the cup beside him straight at her.
Adrian moved quickly, pulling Joelle aside just in time. The cup smashed against the wall, shards scattering across the floor. If Adrian hadnât intervened, it might have struck her face.
âRyland! Neverââ
Ryland cut her off with a furious roar. âGet out! I donât need your fake concern!â
Adrianâs eyes hardened. He had tolerated Rylandâs outbursts, but he wouldnât allow Joelle to be harmed.
âIf you lay a hand on her again, weâll leave you here to fend for yourself.â
The threat was sharp, meant to wound, but it had the opposite effect on Ryland. It only deepened his fears, confirming the gnawing sense of abandonment he carried like a weight on his chest.
.
.
.