ra

ed to seep out of me, leaving not a wound, but a chilling, cavernous space where it had been. By the time the first grey light of dawn stained the windows, the space within me had hardened into a resolve as cold and clear as winter ice. My fingers found the communication stone my mother had given me, its surf

when the sound of his footfalls, light and untroubled, descended the main staircase. He entered the room not as a

atures into a mask of solemnity, yet he could not quite

it's time. We need to perf

carefully blank canvas. "Very well," I said, the words emergin

had come prepared for a tempest of tears and pleas, for a scene worthy of his magnanimous performan

sincerity. "Elara, you must understand. This is a mere formality. A temporary measure, you see.

connection. "I swear to you, the moment this is concluded, I will petition the Goddess her

slowly, feigning a weary comprehension. "I see," I murmured, my voice a placid

ed it. The fool actually believed it. "You are the finest Mate an Alpha c

s landed, damp and unwanted, upon my cheek. He drew back with a low chuckle, misreading the gestu

his chair with a newfound buoyancy. His boots were light on

ir shared, triumphant laughter drifted d

ocket. I lifted my gaze to the ceiling, to the sound of their mirth. So be it, I thought, not in anger, but with the quiet finality of