VAR

self I wo

the fading light. The sound of laughter, music, and celebration drifted u

eer felt like a knife

on't go. I won't give

refused to stay still. I needed to see it with m

o ribbons, no flowers. I pulled my hair back and left my room

heers. The smell of roasted meat and wine. Every

ticed me. All eyes were on Aedric who stood beside his new mate, th

ed perfec

ay that made m

My eyes burned as I watched him slip a silver band onto her wri

the back called ou

lations,

napped toward the voice. It was deep, smooth, ca

.... though I c

fore, deep... s

d. His face changed from a

doing here?" h

ugh the crowd. "Can't I come celebrate your special d

me whispered. Others stepped back l

o catch a glimpse, but all I saw was a tall figure dr

Say what you came to say, a

er. Always so serious. Straight to the point,

frowned. "What are

"You know which one. It's been six years

room. A few people ex

h dropped

That voice. T

could

le. "How do you want

ong enough for the air

ice came again, l

Sylvara. The omega

how to

ard the sound. The man stepped

.. the one whose words made me feel better. The one who'd called

nt, I coul

arp, calm, almost amused, but there was somet

uzzed with

ame... and the moment I he

el

en V

. The cursed one.

s for years... stories of blood, rebellion, and powe

isbelief flashing in hi

"I'm sure you heard me clearly brot

the hall. My breath

ous. "She's not someone you

o keep her?" He took another step closer, eyes still locked on mine. "Give her to me. Let her join m

My chest felt like

, some looking at me with pit

rief, aching second. There was guilt in h

Kaelen and said quiet

d seemed

ught. My vis

really

me away... like a piece of

h me, hot and sharp

off. My voice was

yed on me. Calm.

e truth... whatever game this w

yed. Humilia

me swore that I would nev