Josie
"Is this because neither of my brothers is trying to talk to you?" Varen's voice was low, almost casual—but I wasn't fooled. There was tension beneath it, sharp and wounded. "And now you're just… using me as your last option?"
The words hit harder than I expected.
I opened my mouth, ready to deny it, but nothing came out right away. My lips parted and closed again. I searched his face, but it was unreadable—guarded like stone. I hated that I was the reason he looked like that.
"That's not fair," I whispered. "Varen, it's not like that—"
"Isn't it?" he cut in, a bitter smile ghosting his lips. "I've always known I came last when it came to my brothers. That wasn't the surprise, Josie. But I didn't expect to be last with you too."
