Chapter 21 · Blood on His Hands

"You were there."

Kael doesn't move. Doesn't deny it. Just stands in the middle of the shattered glass like he's been waiting for this since the ring locked on my finger.

"Lena—"

"You were there the night she died." My voice comes out steady. That's the worst part. I sound calm. I sound like I'm asking him to pass the salt. "I saw you. Teenage. Covered in blood. Her blood."

He takes one step forward. I take two back.

"Don't," I say.

He stops. His hands are open at his sides, palms out, like that's supposed to make me feel safe. Like I didn't just watch those same hands rip someone apart three hours ago.

"How long have you known?" I ask.

His jaw tightens. "Known what."

"That I was her daughter. That you killed my mother and then you married me."

"I didn't kill her."

"Then why the hell were you there?" My voice cracks. I hate it.