I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, a strong hand gripped my wrist, pulling me back with force.
"I'm not letting you go." His voice was firm, possessive.
A new kind of rage ignited inside me. I yanked my hand free, my eyes burning into him. "You don’t have a choice."
Magnus exhaled sharply, his patience thinning. "Why are you acting like this? What happened while I was away?"
I nearly laughed. He still thought I was the same naive girl who would crumble under his touch, the same foolish mate who would believe his lies. Not anymore.
"Nothing happened, Magnus," I said coldly. "I just opened my eyes."
His brows furrowed. "Astrid, if something is wrong, just tell me. I—"
"You what?" I snapped. "You love me? Do you care about me? Save it, Magnus. I know everything."
He stiffened. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," I whispered, stepping closer, "I know where you were all those months. I know who you were with."
His eyes darkened. "You don’t understand—"
"I understand perfectly," I cut him off. "You left me alone for months, and when you came back, you still ran to her. How long have you been lying to me, Magnus? From the beginning?"
His silence was all the answer I needed.