When I saw you in the hall with Darian,” he says at last, “I felt more angry than I’ve felt in a long time. I was angry and. . . And afraid, that you wanted to be there, that you wanted him touching you. In that one look, I felt more than I’ve ever felt with Caspian. Zahra, I think you’re right—love isn’t a choice. If I could choose to love Caspian, maybe this would all be going differently, but I don’t think that’s possible. Not anymore.” All the smoke inside me sinks as I stare at him. “What are you saying?” He turns and meets my gaze squarely. As much I want to, I find it impossible to look away. The intensity of his copper gaze holds me entranced.“I think you know,” he says softly. “Or am I the only one who feels it?

The Forbidden Wish