The day before the mating ceremony, Kael and I had both been poisoned with heat-scent. We woke up in the same den.
I'd gotten examined by a healer immediately. Between the scent-trace results and both our fragmented memories before blacking out, we'd confirmed nothing happened.
I'd planned to explain everything to Alaric after the bonding ritual. I never imagined someone would display that damning image at the ceremony itself.
The pain crushed my chest. All I could do was sob out the truth:
"I don't know why Kael and I were set up, but nothing happened between us! Nothing! The healer confirmed my scent was untouched!"
Alaric's laugh was ice.
"Lyra. Do you really think I'd believe you?"
I looked up at him, tears streaming down my face.
"If you don't believe me—then why go through with the bonding? Why claim me at all?"
Alaric's hand clamped down on the back of my neck, his grip bruising against my scent glands. Every trace of the bond warmth had vanished from his eyes, replaced by something cold and predatory.