Kaelen’s POV
“You’re an idiot.”
Cassian’s voice hit me like a slap. I stood frozen in the banquet hall doorway, staring at the space where Elara had been standing moments ago. Her scent still lingered. Winter roses. Parchment. Salt from tears she’d refused to shed in front of me.
And fury. Pure, white-hot fury.
She’d looked at me like I was a stranger. Worse—like I was someone who’d just driven a blade between her ribs and twisted it.
Because that’s exactly what I’d done.
“Did you hear me?” Cassian stepped in front of me, blocking my view of the corridor. His jaw was tight. His eyes held none of their usual deference. “I said you’re an i***t. A complete, staggering fool.”
Behind us, the banquet hall still buzzed with whispered scandal. Guards were dragging Isolde toward the east win
