Malrik POV

“I’ve chosen to let fate take its course,” I said, voice even but laced with cold finality. “Besides, I’ve no interest in making a conniving and incapable woman my Luna.”

The Chairman’s frown deepened, his posture sharpening as he leaned forward, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Would you care to elaborate?”

I straightened in my seat, spine like steel. “I was gone for a single day,” I began, my tone tight with barely restrained frustration. “In that time, ...