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I felt as if the world was collapsing around me. The word "mate" echoed in my mind, carrying a weight that was hard to grasp.

"What... what do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Kessler looked down, as if he couldn't bear to see my reaction. "In our world, mates are predestined. It's a deep, almost unbreakable bond. Even though my heart belongs to you, she feels that bond more intensely. It's a connection that goes beyond simple attraction."

Lucas, who had been silent until now, intervened. "It's complicated, Eva. Riley is convinced that Kessler belongs to her. And that makes her dangerous."

The pieces began to fall into place in my mind. Riley's threats, her persistence, it all made more sense now. But even so, I couldn't accept that it was enough to justify her behavior.

"So, what are we supposed to do? Keep running? Live in fear of her attacks?" I asked, my voice rising with desperation.

Kessler looked at me, his eyes filled with sadness and determination. "No.