Aiden’s POV

The week after the engagement party dragged on like a punishment I couldn’t escape. Even in the early morning, I felt sluggish . I’d been through brutal fights, insane politics, but nothing unsettled me like Rue did.

I couldn’t stop thinking about her that night—the way she turned to leave with Percy. She seemed done with me.

I was sitting in the study when Haven slipped in. She’d been quieter lately, very careful with her words, as though walking on eggshells.

“You ...