I stepped outside into the freezing night, and just as I was about to take another step toward my freedom—
"Going somewhere, Astrid?"
My blood ran cold.
I turned slowly, and there he was. Magnus stood in the doorway, his silver eyes gleaming like a predator who had just caught his prey. His shirt was disheveled, his hair a mess—clear signs of the betrayal he had just committed. Yet, despite everything, his expression held no guilt.
My pulse thundered in my ears. "Move," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.
But Magnus didn't move. Instead, he tilted his head, his sharp gaze raking over me. "Why are you leaving in the middle of the night?" His voice was low, almost dangerous.
"Because I don’t belong here," I replied. "Not anymore."
Magnus's expression darkened. "Who told you that?"
I let out a bitter laugh. "You did. Over and over again, every time you chose her over me."
His jaw clenched, and for the first time, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Guilt? Regret? It didn't matter anymore.
"I'm done, Magnus," I whispered. "You can keep Ingrid, keep your lies. But you will never see me again."