For a heartbeat after Daisy's words, the hall did not breathe.
“I reject you as my fated mate."
The declaration hung in the air like a bell that would not stop ringing. Then the world hit back.
Agony tore through Daisy's chest, blinding and absolute. It felt as if a burning claw had hooked into her heart and was ripping free the shining thread that had tied her to Charles since the Moon Goddess first marked them. Her knees buckled; the chandeliers above smeared into shards of light.
Opposite her, Charles staggered.
His hand flew to his chest. A hoarse, animal sound broke from his throat. The heir of Thunder Storm crashed to his knees and then to the polished floor, armor of pride stripped away in an instant.
“Charles!" Rosalie screamed.
Her bouquet slipped from her fingers, petals s
