The public rejection echoes through the chamber like thunder. She is magnificent—destroying him in front of everyone, burning his lies to ash with nothing but the truth.
But Zane isn’t done.
“The wine was a gift,” he says quickly, desperation replacing shock. “From a well-wisher. I had no idea it was contaminated, Selene. Please, you have to believe me.” He takes a step closer, hands spread in supplication. “Someone must have tampered with it before it reached you. I would never—” His voice cracks perfectly. “I love you. You’re my fated mate. We’re meant to be together. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Just be with me.”
He’s good. Even now, even after she has exposed him, he’s spinning it. Making himself the victim.
“I do not want to be with you.” Selene’s voice doesn’t
