"I didn't betray you," Maxi retorted through gritted teeth, her voice edged with frustration. "You brought it upon yourself! What were you expecting? That Islinda would forgive you after you attempted to kill her, your own mate?"
"I was out of my mind at that time!" Aldric shouted back with intense fervor, his words striking Maxi with such force that she found herself momentarily stunned.
Their gazes locked in a fierce clash of wills, but Aldric eventually relented, his chest heaving with the effort of his outburst. His tone softened almost to a whisper as he continued, "I just found out that my alter ego had been harboring a deep secret all this while. Eli knew she was my mate all along and intentionally brought us closer because he feared what I would do."
"Oh, he sure was a smart one. I should applaud him, even though his efforts were in vain, considering you still attempted to murder Islinda," Maxi snarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
