I left the gate road alone, with Marcus’s people still laughing behind me.The wind carried their voices away, but the sound pulled me back to another crowd in Blackthorn Keep.Three years ago, I had stood before the altar of the Dragon Goddess in ceremonial white, waiting for Marcus to complete our Dragon bond. Instead, he let go.“I am sorry, Sienna,” he said in front of them all. “I have chosen Clara.”Clara stepped out from the crowd with one hand resting over the slight curve of her stomach. “Clara carries the pure blood of an ancient dragon clan,With her beside me, my claim to the lordship will be secure.”“She is also carrying my heir. A pure-blooded child.”Whispers spread through the temple. Some pitied me, some laughed, and most simply watched, relieved that the humiliation belonged to someone else.Marcus came closer and lowered his voice so only I could hear.“Wait for me one year. Once I am firmly Lord Blackthorn, I will give you a place. The title of Lady Blackthorn wil
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