Elin’s POV

The banquet had drawn to a close, and I found myself walking with Grayson through the garden. The night air carried the fragrance of roses and damp earth, the hush between us heavy with things unsaid. Before he left this place, I knew I had to tell him the truth.

Aaron had left the banquet long before it ended—no doubt eager to hurry back to Clara. Between Clara and me, his choice had always been her. That much had never required confirmation.

The bitterness gnawed at my heart, ...