Selene leaned over to peer at the bracelet, her voice immediately turning sour. She tugged at Fenris's arm with a little shake. "Fenris, I had no idea you and sister were so close. Exchanging such precious gifts..."
A flicker of guilt crossed Fenris's eyes. His tone grew awkward as he avoided Lyra's gaze, turning to Selene instead. "It's not a courting gift."
Then he faced Lyra, forcing the words out as though they pained him. "The mating ceremony date we set before needs to be postponed. Lyra, consider this bracelet compensation."
Lyra's fingers tightened around the box until her knuckles went white. She said nothing, only looked at Fenris with mocking eyes that saw straight through him.
Postponed. This was the ninth time. Every single time, it was because of Selene. Every single time, he delivered the news in that same casual tone, grinding her hopes to dust beneath his heel.