Ellie POV
Kieran’s words clung to me like smoke I couldn’t shake off. A political marriage. The phrase had echoed in my head since they’d been spoken, weaving itself into my mind until it was all I could think about.
Guests were starting to leave, making their goodbyes, but the party wasn’t done just yet. I was standing near the door waiting for Lance and Nolan, who were speaking to Cassian and Alaric. I had already excused myself, stating that I was tired and wanted a little air before the long drive back.
But the truth was that Kieran’s offer had put me off balance and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Marriage. Again.
Even the thought made my stomach twist. I’d barely survived one union—an arrangement that had never been mine to choose, one that had left scars deeper than I wan
