Chapter 48: The Mark

Evie Stanton I didn't understand why Thane was looking at me like that. Why he shared a look with Katarina before she left, leaving us in this awkward silence. I thought he wanted to marry me. Wanted a whole future together, and now he was telling me he didn't? I felt so vulnerable. Putting my heart on the line for him like that. Thane closed his eyes tightly. A few deep breaths. Suddenly, the space between us felt like a giant chasm. I wanted to reach for him. Leap across the canyon. Pull Thane back out of his thoughts. Back to me. His eyes opened, and he gazed at me, a deep-seated pain washing up on the surface of his vibrant eyes. A glossiness formed in his eyes. The silence felt heavy. My gaze softened. My arms fell to my sides. He didn't say anything, taking a seat at the table like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Thane let the heaviness settle over him, leaning back against the chair, legs stretched out in front of him. His gaze never left me,