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“Teresa?”

“She’s our neighbor.” I kiss her cheek. “Don’t stay up too late, okay?”

As I begin to walk away, she squeezes my hand, and I look at her. Her smile is lovely. “I have a beautiful daughter. I’m sohappy about that. Here, take this.” She picks up a small item from the table beside her. “This will look nice on your dress.”

My heart tightens in my chest, and I smile at her, pinning the golden brooch to my shoulder strap. “Thanks, Mom.”

The cottage door closes behind me with finality as I head to the coronation ceremony of my fated mate, the man I may possibly be in love with.

The great hall is transformed.Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the assembled nobility, their finery glittering in the light. I stand to the side, feeling out of place.

The ceremony itself is brief but powerful. Griffin stands before the throne, his silver hair gleaming in the candlelight, his shoulders straight and proud as the elders reaffirm his right to rule. When the ancient crown is placed upon his head, a collective sigh passes through the assembly. He is every inch a king—powerful, commanding, born to lead.

And I am the human scientist who somehow ended up in his orbit.

The formal reception that follows is even more uncomfortable. I hover near the edges of the room, watching as nobles pay their respects to their newly crowned king. Griffin is surrounded constantly, barely visible through the press of bodies eager to curry favor. Occasionally, I catch glimpses of him: his profile as he leans down to hear someone speak, the flash of his hand as he gestures, the rigid set of his shoulders that suggests he’s as uncomfortable with all this pomp as I am.

And then I see her. Aria, resplendent in her emerald gown, somehow maneuvering her way to Griffin’s side. She places herhand on his arm and leans close to whisper something in his ear. He doesn’t pull away.

“Quite the spectacle, isn’t it?” Erik’s voice startles me from my observations.

“It’s certainly elaborate.”

“Shifters love their rituals.” He hands me a glass of something that smells potent. “Especially ones that involve affirming the hierarchy.”

I take a sip and cough as the liquid burns down my throat. “What is this?”

“Something to take the edge off.” He watches me over the rim of his own glass. “You looked like you could use it.”

“That obvious, huh?”

“Only to someone who’s been watching.” His gaze shifts to where Griffin stands, now engaged in conversation with several elders—and still with Aria at his side. “My brother is being an idiot.”

I’m silent.

Griffin has yet to approach me, despite what he wrote on the card. Not once have his eyes searched the room for me. His attention is all on Aria, and it makes my aching heart beat like a painful drum.

The music changes, signaling the start of the formal dances. I straighten up, remembering his promise, and then my blood goes cold. Griffin leads Aria onto the floor, his movements stiff and ceremonial as they begin the traditional steps. Other couples join them, including Cedric and Leanna, who move with the easy synchronicity of long-time partners.

“Would you like to dance?” Erik offers his hand, his eyes kind.

“I don’t know the steps.”

“Neither do I, really.” He grins. “I spent most of my dancing lessons sneaking out to the training yards.”

His attempt to cheer me up is touching, but as I watch Griffin and Aria glide across the floor, a weight settles in my chest. She fits so perfectly into his world. Her hand in his, her smile practiced and poised, her every movement speaking of generations of breeding and training.

“I think I need some air.” I hand my barely touched drink back to Erik. “Please excuse me.”

I make my way through the crowd, ignoring the curious stares and whispered comments that follow in my wake. The terrace provides temporary refuge, the cool night air soothing against my heated skin. Below, the palace gardens stretch out, bathed in moonlight. I can hear the music continuing inside, the laughter and conversation a distant hum.

I don’t know how long I stand there before I notice the voices coming from a partially open door farther along the terrace. Griffin’s deep tones, followed by Erik’s more animated ones. Without thinking, I move closer.

“—completely insane!” Erik sounds furious. “You can’t just ignore a fated bond, Griffin. It doesn’t work that way!”

“I’ve made my decision.” Griffin’s voice is cold, controlled in a way I’ve never heard before. “Maya will never be my mate.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, driving the air from my lungs. I grasp the terrace railing to steady myself as Griffin’s words echo in my ears.