Chapter 98

• *Isabel*
• I set the glass down with more force than intended, the faint clink breaking the silence. His shoulders stiffened further, but he still didn’€™t turn to me. That single refusal - his unwillingness to acknowledge me - hurt more than his rejection of me itself. Without another word, I turned on my heel and left the house. I was suddenly grateful he hadn't said a word. I wasn't sure what I would have done if I'd heard his voice. Probably fall on my knees and beg him not to go through with the mating ceremony. Which would be completely humiliating because it would change nothing. He'd already made up his mind a long time ago to mate with Bianca.
• Long before our paths had ever crossed.