When I mentioned the reason for Sheila’s plight against me, Vance shrugged. “The past is the past. Sheila needs to get over it. Michael has. I think,” he added, his tone betraying him to a hint of doubt.

I laughed, a light, brittle sound. “I’d certainly hope so. I may not have loved the man, but I certainly hoped for his happiness.”

“Oh, he’ll never be truly happy, Lan,” Vance said, his voice flat. “He had to settle for a mate that wasn’t his true chosen. Another rejected. ...