#Chapter 10: Masks and Motives

(Violet’s POV) "…You don't want to?" Ronan furrowed his brow. Sharing a man with my sister—of course, I didn't want to. But the act was still ongoing, so I didn't show any resistance. Instead, I gave him a soft wince and pulled back just enough to suggest delicacy. “It’s... not a good time,” I whispered, voice tinged with embarrassment. “My cycle started.” His mouth twitched in disappointment, but I saw it—the flicker of understanding, the half-done math in his head. “Oh,” he said, drawing his hand away. “Of course.” “I’m sorry,” I added gently. “I wanted to be close, too. I still… I still care about you, Ronan.” His chest rose slightly, pride blooming across his expression like sunshine cracking through clouds. He wanted to hear that. He needed to hear that. “I never stopped,” I said, letting my lashes fall, soft as a storybook wife. “I just got scared. Everything with the court, and Elara… I thought maybe you didn’t want me anymore.” He stepped closer. “That’s