Chapter 199

Chapter 199

“Serves him right for underestimating me,” I said, savoring another bite. My confidence wasn’t boastful-it was matter-of-fact. Garland had made a mistake.

and he paid for it.

“Preparing for Elsa?” Lucian asked after a beat, his tone more careful now.

I nodded, swallowing the last bite before taking a sip of water. “Yeah,” I said simply.

Lucian hesitated, his hand resting lightly on the table. “So… I, uh, have a feeling our bond is all that you’ll be severing tonight,” he said, a strained smile flickering across his lips. He was trying so hard to seem unaffected, to play it cool, but I could feel the cracks in his composure. His heartache was nearly tangible, a heavy presence in the room.

“How did you figure that out?” I asked, deciding to humor him, though my tone was light. It was obvious he’d already worked it out, but I wanted to hear