"Seraphina is my mate."
The words echoed like a drumbeat in Emerald's ears. She stared at him, her heart thudding. "Sorry, I must've misheard you. You want to clarify that bomb you just dropped, or should I start guessing?"
Adrien ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. "No, you didn't mishear me. She was… It's not what you think."
"You said she is your mate," Emerald shot back. "Not was."
Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not… recent. Or current. It's just… complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it," Emerald said flatly.
He took a breath. "We grew up together. She was… my best friend. My brother was the heir at the time, and Seraphina adored him. She had a crush on him for as long as I could remember."
Emerald raised a brow. "And you?"
"I liked her," Adrien said honestly. "At first, it wasn't in the same way, but she was always around. She was loyal and fearless… she's the type of girl who would climb rooftops and challenge guys to duels."
