Killian's POV
"You don't understand," I said through gritted teeth. "My parents are dead. She was there for me when they abandoned this world. She gave me everything when I had nothing left."
"I understand plenty," Lyra interrupted sharply. "What I understand is that living your entire existence based on what someone in power tells you to do isn't really living at all." Her lips curved into a gentle smile that sent my pulse racing despite everything between us. "Besides, your bride-to-be happens to be a complete witch."
Our eyes met and held for a long moment. Every fiber of my being wanted to drop to my knees, beg her forgiveness, and pull her against me until the rest of the world disappeared. The weight of my mistakes pressed down on my chest like a boulder. I ached to make things right between us. But that persistent whisper in my mind pulled me back toward what I'd been taught was right.
Pulled me toward obligation and loyalty.
