Chapter 33: The Hollow Introduction
Cristoff approaches with a satisfied smile.
"Alpha Crimean," he greets smoothly. "It's been a long time."
Justin doesn't look at him.
He can't.
Because she's standing right there.
Close enough to touch.
Close enough to feel.
"This is my wife," Cristoff continues, placing a possessive hand on her back. "Tristana."
Wife.
The word hits like a blade.
Tristana inclines her head politely. "It's a pleasure."
Her voice is calm.
Detached.
Like they've never met.
Like she's not the reason his soul still aches.
Justin stares at her, something feral rising beneath the surface.
"You don't remember me?" he asks, voice rough.
Cristoff's hand tightens subtly on her.
A warning.
Tristana doesn't react to the tension.
She simply looks at Justin again, studying him this time.
There's something there—
A flicker.
A pull.
A strange, uncomfortable pressure in her chest.
"I'm afraid not," she says softly.
And just like that—
He loses her all over again.