CADEI felt sick.It was the kind of disgust that crept into your bloodstream and lingered, eating away at everything in its path.The video playing in front of us featured Honey—my beloved sister. She was surrounded by a room full of men, the camera capturing every agonizing angle. Beside her, unable to move at all, was Elijah—her mate back then. He was shackled, forced to endure the horror. His mouth was bloodied, his face twisted in pain, restrained like some deranged experiment. The intensity of his suffering echoed as loudly as hers.I couldn’t watch.I wouldn’t.I closed the screen and pushed the laptop away so forcefully that it skidded across the table, nearly hitting the floor.Arden said nothing, but her arms were already wrapped around me, hugging me from behind. She pressed her cheek to my back, her fingers gripping the fabric of my shirt. She tried her best to hold back tears. Her body trembled slightly, but she remained still and strong—for me.Her voice was soft and hoa
ARDEN The two of us made it out without any problems, which was a miracle on its own. The meeting had just ended, so the main hallways were filled with various officials. Still, we took Behany’s advice and reached Cade’s car, parked just a few meters away from the gate. I crouched lower into the passenger side and slipped into the hidden compartment in the back. The space was small but comfortable enough. Meanwhile, Cade bowed to the guards like everything was business as usual, and once they waved him through, the metal gates creaked open.We were free.As soon as we’d driven far enough, the tension in my spine released. I pushed open the hatch and slid into the front seat, flopping against it with a sigh of relief. The leather was cold. Cade glanced at me.I smiled, real and wide this time. “We made it.”He didn’t smile back right away. His brows were pulled tight, concern seen in his eyes. “What happened? Are you alright? Did Winters find you?”“No,” I said, shaking my head and
ARDENI stood there frozen. I couldn’t even think to run with Bethany Spirit right in front of me. My fingers clutched the photo album, but the moment her eyes landed on it, I quickly closed it and gently placed it back on the shelf. The click of the spine shutting echoed far too loudly in the silent room. She hadn’t moved. Neither had I. Bethany stared at me with a gaze that could flay a soul open. Then she clicked her tongue disapprovingly, and I unconsciously flinched. Her fingers rose slowly, pausing just at her temple. “I suggest you don’t think about calling anyone,” she began, crossing her arms over her chest. “One link, and you’re out of this place for good.” Still, I couldn’t move. A growing sense of dread washed over me as I realized her eyes had narrowed on the uniform I wore. Her head tilted slightly. “Cora?” she asked, arching a brow as her gaze fell on the stitched nameplate decorating my chest. I squeaked and mentally cursed myself for sounding like a broken mouse.
ARDENFortunately, at the very last second, I spotted a door, covered by a curtain, to my left. I slipped inside just as footsteps echoed down the hallway.The room was dimly lit, but even then, I could tell how well-maintained it was. This only deepened my curiosity about what this place was. I kept the lights off, crouching low as I peered through the thin crack between the door and the wall. My heart pounded in my chest.Winters entered his office.Even from a distance, his suspicion could be seen. He began to scan the room as he walked, his eyes flitting over the table, landing on the chair slightly moved from its original position, even to the faintest indent on the rug. He was meticulous.I held my breath, daring not to even blink.He strolled through the space like a predator surveying its territory. His eyes narrowed, and I could feel his presence pushing into the hidden room I occupied. The moment stretched unbearably long. I could hear the sound of my own heartbeat pounding
ARDENHoney sat on the porch, her legs swinging back and forth as she hugged the stuffed wolf Cade had given her. Her big, round eyes followed me intently while I packed the last of my things. She didn’t say a word until I crouched down in front of her.“You’re really leaving?” she asked, her voice small, carrying a hint of hope that we might stay another night. I, too, longed to spend more time with her. She was one of the most beautiful she-wolves I had ever encountered—both inside and out.“I have to,” I said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “But just for now.”Honey nodded, then glanced toward Cade, who was loading the final bag into the car. “Take care,” she whispered.I offered her a small smile. “I will.”She tugged on the hem of my shirt. “And take care of Cade too.”That made me chuckle a little, a short exhalation through my nose. “I will.”“And come back. So we can play again.” She held out her pinky, just like last time.I smiled, hooking my pinky aroun
CADE I woke up before her. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet; only a soft silver light poured in from the window, touching her skin like it worshipped her. She lay against me, her hair sprawled across the pillow, her lashes dark against her cheeks. Arden. I didn’t know what I had done in this life to deserve waking up beside her, but I knew one thing for certain: I never wanted to lose this. I brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, careful not to disturb her. Her breathing was soft and steady, and her bare shoulder rose gently with each inhale. She wasn’t mine by bond. We didn’t glow under the Moon Goddess’ seal or feel the pull that defined fate. But it didn’t matter. Because everything within me told me she was mine. I’d never met my mate, and I probably never would. And if the Moon Goddess was listening—if she ever paid attention to people like me—then I prayed she would make Arden my mate too. Because aside from Honey’s justice and betterment, I’d never wanted anyt