ar, Eliana looks back up

d slightly down, watching th

sweat beading at her temple. “Is it alright if I

, but Eliana easily sees the smile

ight she is carrying disappearing. Her mind

.” Beatrice orders cocking her brow

s Eliana closely. His dense

t begins to build in her neck and ears, e

took my bed,” Jasper argues roughly. His hair places a s

ugh? Most werebears live with the rest of the clan, right,” she wonders inwardly. It is odd for any Pivurlion to live outside of their clan. At least that

growls. She pushes him toward th

oom. As a soft shiver explodes in her chest, sh

“But truly we are not your enemy.” She sits on the edge of one of the chairs, close to the Princess. H

hey are going to give her up. She will die.

ind you, but I will not pry. That is your story to tell when you trust us. Now, once the water is ready, go clean yourself up. I do

nd starts to walk

Eliana blurts out, still

t all bad. I hope to cha

bath is ready, and Eliana reluc

ough. This is my only option, unless I want to try my luck out with the rogue Xe

f putting pressure on it. As she slowly unties her dress, the voices from the other

e continues to send miniature shivers from Eliana’s stomach

herself. On the occasions when she would go to the village at the bottom of the castle, she would speak with her people and ask them questions about the world. She ask

sper is still alone, sends a jol

an and choose a mate, or we will find one for you,” Conrad

into the steaming bath,

true mate appears? Wha

eatrice says slowly, and almost too quietly for Eliana to he

en if he does not wish it? I understand how he is feeling. It is crushing. All hope of find

you force a future on me I do not want.”

water quickly. “So, marriage

ughts of Jasper and the