“They were all suspicious,” Talhan said, taking another step and rubbing his hand down her horse’s muzzle. She noted the move—how he put himself between her horse and the stable door. He could grab the reins and stop her from leaving. “How could you have known it was Cole? From the brief moments I spoke with him, he seemed like a nice person.”

“When Mother showed up, I . . .” Bri balled her fists, thinking of that cocky grin on her mother’s face—how she knew she was backing Bri into a corner with her every word. Helvia knew Bri would destroy herself, her happiness, rather than let her mother be right. “I pushed away every instinct I had. I pushed her away. Lina wanted a life together and I said no.”

“Mother has that effect on people,” Talhan gritted out. “You swore to yourself you’d never give her the Western crown, and now you’re in love with the person who wears it.”

“She seemed so delighted that Lina and I were getting closer.” Bri huffed, the scabs on her knuckles cracking as she clenched her fists. “And equally delighted to drive a wedge between us. It’s like she could see the crown in her reach and I didn’t want to give it to her.”

“Of all people, she knows the right wounds to press on.” Talhan frowned, giving her a nudge. “I’m sure you’ll find another way of disappointing our parents.”

“But I was the one who succumbed.” Bri rubbed the back of her neck as she scowled. “I should have been stronger, should have told Mother no, that I loved Lina and we’d figure it out. Gods.”

She looked to the wall as if she might punch it, but her knuckles barked at her just from balling her injured hand into a fist. If she were human or witch, she probably would have irreparably injured herself. That she was healing at all was a miracle she didn’t deserve. If Lina died because of her, because she’d broken her vow to protect Lina, nothing else would matter. It wasn’t the same as before, not at all; this was wholly different, far deeper than anything she’d ever known.

“I loved Aurella, I did, but this . . .” She placed her palm to the center of her chest, pushing down hard on her sternum. “It feels like my soul has been ripped in two.”

“I know that feeling,” Talhan whispered, his gaze dropping to his boots. “It was just outside here in Valtene.” He placed his hand to his gut. “I thought I was dying, but I couldn’t let go. Our souls are tied to this world by the people we love, Fated or not.” His face darkened, his expression strained. “Why are the best things the ones we’re too afraid to get right?”