Lyra's POV
He believed I wasn't worthy of him.
"I don't care what you've done before," I whispered, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay composed. "You've shown me more kindness than anyone in my entire life. You helped me navigate a world where I felt completely lost."
"And I will cause you such pain that you'll be lost all over again," Alaric said, his gaze locked with mine. His words carried an unshakable finality. There was no room for debate or negotiation.
His decision was made. And it wasn't me. It wasn't what we had together. Alaric straightened his shoulders before continuing.
"I'm going to marry Roxanna of Ironwood after she completes her final year at the Academy," he stated with cold precision. "This marriage will strengthen my family's position. She'll make an ideal wife for someone in my role."
