Chapter 11 · The Second Mark

"It means you should've had the right to choose me."

Ronan had been staring at me so long my skin started to burn.

My throat tightened. "I did choose you."

"You chose the bond." His voice stayed low. "You didn't choose the man standing inside it."

"You never gave me the chance."

His jaw flexed. "Because if you chose me, the council would've used you to get to me."

I shoved both hands against his chest. Dust shook loose from his coat.

"Stop talking like you saved me. You erased me." My voice cracked, but I didn't look away. "You made me walk through this city while everyone watched me become the rejected mate of the High Warden."

The dust on his face couldn't hide how pale he went.

"I know."

"No, you don't." I laughed once, sharp and ugly. "You kept your title. Your guards. Your power. I got whispers, pity, and every woman in Briarport asking what was wrong with me."

"Nothing was wrong with you."

"Then why did you say it?"

His eyes slid away.

I caught his chin and forced him back toward me. His stubble scraped my palm.

"Look at me and answer.