ELARA POV
I said yes to Dante three days before the Summit and immediately regretted it. Not because of him. He'd been nothing but respectful, patient, everything I should want in a potential mate. But because of the look on Kai's face when I told him. Like I'd physically stabbed him. Like I'd just rejected him all over again.
"It's political." I'd tried to explain. "Just appearances. The Summit is important for Shadow Creek's reputation."
"Right." His voice had been hollow. "Political. That's why you're wearing his courting gift."
I'd touched the necklace without thinking. Dante's platinum and diamonds, sitting heavy against my collarbone. I'd worn it to get used to the weight. To prepare for the Summit where appearances mattered. But to Kai it looked like acceptance. Like I'd made my
