The Three Who Chose Me

Josie

I kept staring at the path long after Kiel was gone, like maybe—just maybe—he’d change his mind and come back for me. But he didn’t. Of course he didn’t. The rooftop was silent now, except for the barely-there sound of the guards’ heavy boots behind me.

They hadn’t moved an inch. Useless statues. Watching me, judging me, breathing like their presence was supposed to mean something. I hated them. I hated that they were there to witness me fall apart.

I hated even more that I’d let myself fall for any of them.

My fingers trembled as I dragged them through my hair, fighting off the sting in my chest. I wanted to scream, to rip off the jacket Kiel had given me and throw it off the roof, but I couldn’t. It still smelled like him. And that made it worse.

I finally turned, feet moving before I could stop them. I wanted out. Out of this rooftop, out of this house, out of this insane emotional mess. I didn’t care where I ended up—I just needed space to breathe.

Then I saw him.

Varen.

Standing by the doorway like he’d been waiting for me. His blue eyes were heavy with apology, lips parted as though he wanted to explain everything. But I didn’t want his words. Not now. Not from him.

I shoved past him without a second glance.

The lights of the ballroom hit my eyes like a punch. I moved fast, weaving through the guests like a ghost, not stopping, not caring who saw me. My chest was burning, my throat tight with the scream I wouldn’t let out.