His arms dropped from around me at once. There was no hesitation. He turned and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he paused and glanced back.
"There is a charity gathering tomorrow night. I will take Marisel. She just returned and doesn’t have a proper gown."
His eyes moved over me, calm and distant.
"The Moonlight dress in your wardrobe. Have the servants send it to her tomorrow. It can be adjusted for her size."
I stared at him, unable to believe what I heard.
That Moonlight gown…
Five winters ago, when we first confirmed our bond, he had invited a top designer from afar to make it just for me. It was crafted to fit me perfectly. Nine hundred and ninety-nine crystals were set by hand along its hem.
I had treasured that dress deeply. I even never even allowed the servants to touch it.
Once, a new maid secretly took it to try on. When I found out, I had her sent away from Ravencrest without hesitation.
Back then, Damon had praised me. He said what belonged to me would always be mine.
No one else had the right to touch it.
Now he had asked me, directly, to give that gown to Marisel.
My fingers curled slowly, nails pressing deep into my palms until they almost broke the skin.