Malric’s Pov

The silence in the mansion was deafening.

The air itself trembled with the aftermath of what had just happened. Verret’s words still echoed in my head like a curse, Ask Delilah if she is not in love with me… because I had her under my skin.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. All I could see was Delilah’s face, which was pale, shaken, and filled with guilt.

My brother’s voice rang inside my skull, louder than thunder.

“Tell me it’s not true,” I said, stepping closer, my voice breaking under the weight of rage. “Tell me he’s lying.”

Delilah didn’t speak. Her silence was sharper than any dagger....