Mara
My heart was pounding as Lucian pulled me through the hall to his wing, his grip firm but not harsh. He didn’t say a word. I couldn’t either. I was too afraid of what he might do, or worse—what he might think of me now.
When we reached the room, he let go and tossed the envelope onto the bed.
I stumbled back, frozen.
The pictures and my underwear—those cursed things—were still in his trembling hands.
He stood there, silent for a moment. Then his voice cracked open.
“Why, Mara?” he asked, eyes glassy. “Why did it have to be him?”
I couldn’t answer.
“Why won’t you just let him go?” he continued, voice rising. “He told our father he didn’t want you. He didn’t care enough to fight for you. And you still do this?”
Tears ran down my face, hot and fast.
“Lucian… they’re lies,” I wh
