Page 102 of Mostly Shattered

“You should be resting,” I say under my breath.

“And let you have all the fun?” Anthony chuckles. “Not a chance.”

The elevators open, and Mortimer’s tone becomes overly formal as he announces, “Ah, there he is. Greetings Zephronis. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us.”

Mortimer reaches into his pocket and pulls out paperwork.

“I have the new contracts right here,” Mortimer says.

Zephronis shuffles into the living room. His presence commands attention, though he doesn’t say aword. His dark robes flow as if they’re made of shadows. His purple gaze locks onto mine, and then he shifts his attention to Mortimer and Chester, who are already on the offensive.

I stand and cross my arms over my chest. “Zephronis, thank you for coming.”

Astrid nods at me in approval. I don’t expect that expression to last long.

I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the fight that is to come. “Though I’m afraid it might be a wasted trip. I was just about to explain to everyone that I have no intentions of getting married. I’m sorry if we’ve wasted your time.”

Anthony tries to hide a soft laugh and fails.

“Nonsense. You can’t do that.” Chester’s voice is frantic. “You can’t just call off the engagement now. We’ve already told people. I’ve already made plans. This alliance was supposed to?—”

“Supposed to what?” I cut him off, unfolding my arms and stepping toward him. “Get your mother off your back about grandchildren? Get your mistresses to stop pressuring you to make them honest women?”

“Tamara,” Astrid warns.

I ignore her as I keep going. It’s stupid, maybe, but it feels good. “Secure your place in whatever world Mortimer’s been trying to force on me? I neveragreed to this, Chester. I never wanted to marry you. And you know it.”

Chester’s eyes flash, and he takes another step toward me, the anger spilling over. “Oh, like you’re a prize. This isn’t just about what you want, Tamara. This is about our families. About power. You can’t just walk away from this like it means nothing. You will not make me look like a fool! When we are married, you will learn your place?—”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” I snap back, my voice cutting over the room.

Before Chester can respond, Zephronis steps forward with an unsettling calm. I feel a rush of energy commanding our attention. The wizard’s movements are slow and deliberate, as though the world must bend its will to his.

“The engagement cannot be sealed,” Zephronis declares, each word precise, like a judge handing down the final sentence.

“But,” Mortimer protests, “she doesn’t know what she’s saying. She’s just nervous. Marriage is a big step for a mortal.”

Zephronis turns his gaze to Mortimer. “It is impossible.”

The room goes still.

Anthony nudges my leg and winks at me.

“W-What do you mean, impossible?” Chester sputters with shock. “You said everything was ready.Plans have been made. Agreements reached. You said?—”

“I said nothing,” Zephronis cuts him off, his eyes flicking to Chester with a hint of annoyance. “You were never in control of this situation.”

Chester stares, open-mouthed, struggling to process what’s just been decreed. “But... but I already told people!”

Mortimer pushes Chester aside and takes a step forward. Zephronis turns his full attention to him.

Though it’s clear he does not like what’s happening, my uncle’s tone is more respectful of the wizard. “Zephronis, there must be something we can say to change your mind. My premonitions were clear.”

“There is not.” Zephronis’s expression is unchanging. He doesn’t raise his voice, and he doesn’t deign to explain himself. His decision has been made, and no amount of protest will change it. Something in his tone silences any further argument.

I watch Mortimer’s resolve crumble under the weight of the wizard’s authority. His lips press into a thin line. My uncle, despite his power and status, stands no chance against one so revered and powerful. He lowers his gaze, barely managing a frustrated exhale. “So shall it be.”

“But—” Chester protests.

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