Chapter 7

Callum

The silence in my quarters is deafening. I pace back and forth, Aria's face haunting my thoughts. Her beautiful amber eyes, once so full of life and love, now shattered by my betrayal.

I should never have let her go. She was everything to me - my fated mate, my Luna, my whole world. And now she's gone, slipped through my fingers like sand.

My wolf whines and scratches inside me, aching for our mate. Our true mate. No matter how much I try to justify it, I know Aria and I belonged together.

What have I done?

I sink down on my bed, head in hands. Doubt gnaws at me, shame burning through my veins. I was the one who pushed her away and destroyed our bond. For what? For power? Prestige?

None of it matters without her.

I should go after Aria. Fight for our love and bring her home where she belongs. Before it's too late.

But it's too late, isn't it? She's fled, far beyond my reach. And now duty binds me here as Alpha - I cannot simply abandon my pack for a woman, no matter how