VICTORShe laughs it off, though something steadier has already returned to her voice. "I don't scare easily, Victor. Not anymore, not after Donderdam.""No," I agree. "I don't imagine you do."I study her a moment longer. "I know you, Selene. And I want you for exactly who you are, not some softer version of it. If I'm going to marry you, I want you to know me fully as well. I have no intention of hiding anything from you.”“And if we build this, whatever it becomes between us, it shouldn't be something that turns back on itself, or betrays you the way you've already been betrayed once."She's quiet for a moment, something settling into place behind her eyes, and I watch understanding move through her slowly, the way it does when someone finally sees a thing clearly instead of merely hearing it.She nods without saying any other word."Good," I say, satisfied that she understands exactly what I'm offering her, unpolished and entirely honest. "Now. I'm hungry."She laughs again, light
Last Updated : 2026-09-15 Read more