ROWAN
I didn’t think words could have that kind of effect on me anymore. I’ve been through battles and multiple betrayals, but nothing, absolutely nothing, hit me like what she just said.
Owen slept here from time to time?
The words crawled into my skin and sank into my bones. She said it so easily, too! Without any hesitation or remorse.
Goddess, I wanted to rip this shirt off.
And yet—I didn’t move. For every ounce of jealous rage screaming at me to throw the shirt, there was something deeper anchoring me down.
I didn’t want to ruin this moment.
I didn’t want her to kick me out, not when I was sitting here with her so close, treating my wounds, and not when Calla’s laughter was still humming faintly through the thin walls of this home.
I couldn’t risk it.
I swallowed the sto
