Selene's POV
“I… um, the thing is…” I was struggling to come up with the right words to answer Anthony's question. But then he raised his hand, stopping me.
“Don’t,” he said quietly. “Don’t say anything. It doesn’t matter. Honestly.”
“It does matter,” I tried again, my own voice coming out rough.
He let out a small, broken laugh. “No. It really doesn’t. I just… I want you to be happy, Selene. If this is what fate has planned for you, then… you have my blessing.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but the words got stuck in my throat. Because even though he tried to smile, I could see that he was shattered.
Then, without thinking, I blurted out, “Don’t tell Victor.”
His eyes finally met mine. “What?”
“About the prophecy,” I said quickly. “Please. Don’t tell him.”
His whole body went st
