Chapter 21

ARYA

I stared at him.

I hated how he said my name.

Soft, careful, like I was some fragile thing instead of a ticking bomb covered in bruises.

His hand was still on my face, thumb resting just beneath my cheekbone like he had the right to touch me, like we weren’t strangers tied by duty and rage and a deal that never included feelings.

I slapped his hand away.

Not hard.

But hard enough to mean it.

“Don’t,” I muttered, my voice thick and hoarse. “Don’t pretend to give a damn.”

Kai didn’t move. Didn’t flinch. Just waited.

“You don’t get to play the concerned fiancé now,” I said, the words gaining volume as I stood again—wobbling but standing. “You hate me. I know you do.”

“Arya.”

“No,” I snapped. “You don’t have to lie. Not here. Not behind closed doors.”

The lump in my throat was sharp, but I forced it down, holding onto my fury like a lifeline.

“If I died yesterday, you would’ve thrown my body in a ditch and found someone more proper to play Luna for your precious pack.”

“Don’t be dram