Emerald turned to find Adrien standing there, alone without Seraphina for once. The moonlight cast shadows across his face, making his expression difficult to read.
"Adrien," she said coolly, dropping her defensive stance. "I wasn't expecting to see you alone."
Viola purred from deep within her, but quickly went quiet, as if remembering the betrayal.
"I needed to talk to you," he said quietly. "About everything. How are you holding up?"
"If you're worried I'm heartbroken or pining after you, don't be," Emerald replied sharply. "I'm fine. More than fine, actually."
"Emerald, please. I just want to…"
"Why did you do it?" she interrupted, the question bursting out before she could stop it. "Why did you suddenly choose her over me? Your true mate?"
Adrien opened his mouth to respond, but then he paused. His eyes glazed over slightly, staring right through her as if he were looking at something far away. The silence stretched uncomfortably.
