CIAN
"If this is giving you hope that we'd rekindle anything," I said, "I hate to say it, but it's not happening."
Madeline's expression didn't change. "I didn't say any of that."
"You know what I mean."
"Do I?" She tilted her head slightly. "You know me, Cian. Do you think I would do anything expecting a prize or a reward? This is your mother's safety we are talking about."
I looked away. The paintings on the corridor walls blurred at the edges of my vision. "I just want to make that clear. It doesn't make sense why you would make such a move if you still didn't care about me."
"I still care about you." Her voice was quiet. Steady. "I still care about you a lot."
The words hung between us. I could feel her eyes on my face, waiting.
"What about you?" she asked. "Do you?"
My throat tightened. I forced myself to meet her gaze. "I have a mate and she is not chosen anymore."
"That's not an answer."
