VINCENZO

Judging from how unblinking my stare was, it came as no surprise the pressure building in my eyes. I couldn't stop.

…provided he mates and produces an heir. These were the words that haunted me. They plagued my thoughts.

And now the clock had begun to tick. I had a year to do the deed. If not, I lost everything. A mix of negative emotions churned within me, polluting my blood, weighing down on my chest. My battered state could explain why I let the lone tear slide freely. The only thing that told me apart from a statue was my flaring nose.

I placed the paper face down...