Hunter stepped in close to Ariella. Too close.
He said something Maxwell couldn’t hear over the noise, and Ariella’s mouth moved in reply. A brief smile flickered, small and tired.
Then Hunter reached out and rested his hand over hers.
Would she have been happier if she had married Hunter?
The thought came unbidden, vicious in its honesty.
Hunter was charming when he wanted to be. Warm. Easy. The sort of man who would laugh with her in corridors and bring her sweets and make her feel wanted without all the weight Maxwell carried like armor.
Maxwell swallowed hard, forcing his expression to remain controlled, but the ache in his chest was undeniable.
Finley’s gaze flicked between Maxwell and the scene. He muttered, “Dae nae.”
Maxwell’s eyes narrowed. “Dae nae what?”
Finley’s voice was dry. “Dae nae look like ye want to murder yer own braither for being kind.”
Maxwell’s jaw flexed. “I daenae want to murder him.”
Finley lifted a brow. “Ye looked at Archer like that right before ye killed his father.”
Maxwell exhaled through his nose, harsh. “That was different.”
“Aye,” Finley said. “Ye wanted to kill Lyall for years. This is newer.”
Maxwell’s gaze stayed locked on Ariella.
She pulled her hand away slowly, as if she had only just realized the touch. She murmured something, then stepped back, creating distance.
Hunter’s face softened, confused. He tried again to speak to her.
Ariella shook her head and turned away.
Maxwell’s chest tightened.
It wasn’t just Hunter’s hand. It was her withdrawal. From all of them.
He forced himself to move.
“Hunter,” Maxwell called, voice clipped.
Hunter looked up at once, relief flashing in his eyes at being summoned to something concrete. “Aye?”
Maxwell strode toward them, boots striking stone. Ariella stiffened when she sensed him approaching.
Maxwell did not let himself slow.
He stopped beside Hunter. “Ye should have that cut properly cleaned.”
Hunter glanced at his arm. “It is nothin’.”
Maxwell’s gaze sharpened. “It is nae nothing. Ye’ll go to the healer.”
Hunter sighed. “Aye, braither.”
Ariella did not look up.
