Helio’s POV
A mix of anticipation and a sinking feeling permeated in my gut. Knox still wore that smug expression as he spoke the words that would change Cindra’s life forever.
Kalinda sat beside me, her expression unreadable. Despite the assurances that the mark of rejection didn’t actually hurt, I braced myself for it as if it were happening to me. The whole temple seemed to be holding their breath as Knox spoke the words.
His voice echoed through the temple. Cindra’s eyes were clenched shut, bracing for the pain. The whole room was preparing for the agony that accompanied the mark.
“Cinder Azer, I reject you.”
I bit my bottom lip, cringing in empathy, my eyes glued to Cindra’s beautiful face.
Her eyes were closed, her face tipped down. She took a deep breath, then another.
Yet, n
