Zarek.
We had both once been foolish for Danika.
I remembered it too clearly—every stolen glance, every little smile she threw our way, every moment where our young, stupid hearts had raced for the same girl. Jesse had always been the hopeless one, entirely bewitched by her soft eyes and feigned innocence. And Danika… she had adored him back. At least she had, until the Rogue attack tore our kingdoms apart and shattered whatever fragile future she had imagined with him.
She had rejected him after that—so everyone believed. Claimed she had healed. Claimed she had moved on.
But seeing her now, in my halls, breathing my air… it was painfully obvious she had never truly moved on at all.
“Despite your threats, brother, you know I can still have her,” Jesse said, his lips curling into that
