What Lies Buried

VANCE’S POV

Cleo probably filled in some blanks. But hearing Rowan say it out loud feels like reopening a wound that never properly healed.

“What do you want to know?” I ask, keeping my voice carefully neutral.

“Whatever you’re willing to tell me.”

I stare at the ceiling, jaw tight. “Daphne was my true mate. We met when I was twenty-six. Bonded within a year. I thought she was everything I’d ever