Modric’s POV
“Would you have said that before Velvera betrayed you?”
Mary Ann’s question remained between us.
The strategy room suddenly felt too quiet. Trade reports covered the table, but neither of us looked at them anymore. The lamps had burned low, leaving soft shadows across her face. Smoke still clung faintly to her hair from the hunting shelter, and every few breaths, a small cough escaped her before she could hide it.
I had told her I would always come for her.
She wanted to know whether that promise existed only because Velvera had finally revealed who she was.
I could have answered quickly.
I could have told Mary Ann what I thought she wanted to hear.
That Velvera no longer mattered.
That everything changed the moment I discovered the betrayal.
But Mary Ann had receive
