Chapter 49:Ciara’s POVI panted heavily as I kept running. It felt like the wind itself was chasing me. My breath was ragged, but I didn’t stop.Branches scratched at my arms, and twigs snapped under my boots as I weaved through the forest. My breathing came in quick, frantic bursts, fogging up the cold air under the moonlight. I had no idea where I was going, just the desperate need to get away. And right now, that was enough to keep me moving.The ceremonial wreath still stuck in my hair dug into my scalp like a crown of thorns, a painful reminder of a role I never chose.“Arghhh!” I let out a strangled cry as I tried to rip the silver wreath free. My hair was tangled around it, but I didn’t care. Even through the pain, I yanked it off and threw it deep into the trees, never once looking back.The forest was thick and dark. The trees blocked most of the sky, but the moon still managed to push a few beams of light through the branches. Shadows moved everywhere, and it made my skin c
Chapter 48:Damon’s POVThe moment my finger, stained with sacred wolf blood, touched the mark on Ciara’s forehead, right over Daryl’s claim, the entire Pack gasped. But I didn’t care. I took a second to admire what I’d done. My mark looked better on her...more right.I slowly looked around, taking in the stunned faces. Eyes were wide, jaws slack. Across the platform, Inaya’s earlier smile had vanished, replaced by hurt and disbelief. Seraphina stood still, arms folded, watching quietly.Then my father, King Donovan, shot up from his throne. My mother remained seated, frowning."What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, eyes darting between Ciara and me. “What in the moon goddess' name are you doing?”Wasn’t the right question what I had done? I’d marked my mate...Ciara. What other meaning could there be? That was all that mattered.I turned to her, taking in her wide eyes and parted lips. Even stunned, she looked breathtaking. I glanced at Daryl. His frown deepened, and I could prac
Chapter 47: Damon’s POVThe ritual grounds shimmered beneath the enchanted night sky, cloaked in soft silver light.Snowflakes drifted lazily from the pine trees above and melted as they touched the glowing lanterns floating midair.The entire Pack was seated in a wide circle around the ceremonial platform, their faces bathed in the golden flicker of the bonfire that cracked and snapped at the heart of it all. They were all singing and chattering quietly.I was standing near the flame with my expression plain, my hands clenched behind my back, my stance rigid, and posture stiff. My stiffness was all due to the fact that I was making efforts to hold Calx back from ripping absolute control from me."Oh dear..." Inaya chuckled, and my eyes darted to her.I had even forgotten she was standing beside me, trying to spark a conversation. Her tone was light, and it was obvious she was trying too hard to pretend tonight was just another performance in royal tradition."Everything looks so beau
Chapter 46:Ciara's POVI woke up with a jolt, only to swiftly turn and see that he was there again. My breath got caught in my throat, and I choked.Damon was casually leaning against my doorframe like he lived right here in my room, with his arms crossed and that maddening smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His dark eyes danced with amusement, and he didn't even try to hide it one bit."You really should be more careful with what you say in your sleep, little lady," he drawled.I rolled my eyes and groaned, dragging the covers up to my chin."What are you even talking about?"He shrugged, and his eyes flickered over me shamelessly. "You murmured my name in your sleep. Twice." He cocked his head. "Dreaming about me already?"Heat came in a surge, and it crawled up my neck. "You wish. Get out.""Touché." He smiled and pushed himself off the doorframe, strolling in a little too casually. "I'm flattered, though. Dreams are windows to the subconscious, you know."I eyed him warily
Chapter 45:Ciara’s POVMy eyes fluttered closed as I felt dizzy, and I had to support myself on the stone wall, else I would've fallen. I was also emotionally drained after the incident that occurred between Daryl and me replayed in my head several times since he left.What was Daryl hiding that he couldn't answer the question I had asked?I could barely hold myself up, and the corridor felt endless as I dragged my feet back to my room—well, the guest room, not mine—while pressing my hand against the wall for support. All I could see was the image of Daryl's retreating figure when he'd left me and walked away.The image of him leaving kept haunting my thoughts, and the weight of our charade pressed hard on my chest. My decision pressed even harder. My head throbbed not from pain alone but from the emotional whiplash of pretending, lying, and performing.Was it still worth it? Trying to keep up the façade of being with Daryl? After all, he'd said he knew who his mate was.I was at the
Chapter 44Daryl's POVJust before I could stop myself , I drag up from my seat and headed for the door..The second I saw Ciara stumble out of the dining hall, her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach like she was holding herself together, I was on my feet. I rushed after her without hesitation, ignoring the sound of my name being called from behind and the confused glances shot my way from everyone still seated at the table.It wasn’t calculated—hell, it didn’t even make sense—but I didn’t care. I couldn't afford to. Not when the image of her face, twisted in pain and drained of all its usual warmth, was burned into my mind. Her hand clutched her stomach like something inside her was tearing her apart. Her skin was pale, almost sickly, and it didn’t look like she had the strength to hold herself upright.I didn’t know what I was doing or why I was doing it. All I knew—more than anything else—was that I couldn’t ignore her. Not now.No matter how angry I was. No matter how confuse