Chapter 13:
………..
The two men dragged Marcus toward the altar.
He was screaming—cursing, begging, pleading—but the Queen didn't flinch. She just watched, cold and calm, like she was observing a science experiment.
"Let him go," I said.
The Queen turned to me.
"Why?"
"Because he's not part of this. He's human. He's—he's nothing."
"He's a tool." Her voice was flat. "A tool I used to hurt you. And now—" she gestured at Marcus, still struggling, "—he's a lesson."
"What lesson?"
"That everyone you love will pay for your defiance." She stepped closer to me. "Your mother learned that. Your father learned that. And now—" her eyes flicked to Marcus, "—your ex-boyfriend is about to learn it too."
"Please." The word came out broken. "Please. He's a coward. He's a cheater. He's—he's nothing
