Raven’s POV
Five years ago
I stood in front of the florist shop longer than I needed to, staring at the window like the flowers inside were going to judge me for buying them again, I know that if anyone saw me with the flowers, they would assume they were for my mate and not for my brother’s woman, which already made my chest feel tight.
“You’re late today,” the florist said when I stepped inside.
“I got held up,” I replied, even though it was a lie and I had only been standing outside arguing with myself.
She smiled politely. “Same ones as usual.”
“Yes,” I said quickly. “White and blue.”
“For Hera,” she said casually.
I stiffened but nodded. “Yes.”
She wrapped the flowers carefully and I paid without looking at the total because I never did. Whatever it cost always felt cheaper c
