Elka stared at the letter in his hand, the familiar words she had written now a mocking reminder of her foolishness. The ink might as well have been fresh, the words damning enough to start an entire war between two families. She knew every line of it without needing to read it again.
Her throat felt raw, as though she had swallowed shards of glass.
"Then do it," she whispered, the words tasting like ash. "Send it. Ruin me. At least then this game of yours will be over."
For a moment he was as still as a statue. Then Azul's brows lifted slightly, the only crack in the calm demeanor he wore so easily. He studied her like he was seeing her for the first time, and his gaze felt intrusive as it moved over her.
Then he laughed and it was low and mocking.
"You surprise me again, Elka. Most women in your position would already be on their knees begging."
