Dravina POV

The more I thought about it, the more it all made sense painfully so. I was convenient. A woman already mated. A woman who wouldn’t ask for a future or demand permanence. With me, Malrik could have closeness without the burden of commitment, and for someone like him trapped in politics and legacy that was easier.

I understood. But that didn’t make it hurt any less.

A sharp ache flared beneath my ribs, and I blinked rapidly, willing the tears to stay buried. I stood frozen in ...