Sylvia's POV:

My heart was pounding. Rufus was staring at me helplessly. I didn't know if he was thinking about what I said. But going to the Royal Military School was my only way out. I had to fight for this opportunity.

I licked my chapped lips, took a deep breath, and looked at him. "You..."

Before I could finish my words, Rufus suddenly pulled me into his arms. My nose collided with his chest as his pleasant scent greeted me.

My breath caught in my throat, and my skin prickled with goosebumps.