Se connecterRONAN'S POV The northern report lay open on my desk, but I had read the same lines so many times they were beginning to blur. Kael stood opposite me, his arms folded across his chest. His expression was grim. “How many settlements have reported sightings?” I asked. “Four so far, Your Majesty. The first report came from the northern border three days ago. At first, the patrol thought they were ordinary bears moving through the mountains. But the second group saw them shift.” “Bear shifters?” Kael nodded. “Large numbers of them. And they're not just moving through the territory. They're attacking our army posts.” I leaned back, my jaw tightening. “How many casualties?” “Twenty-three warriors injured. Seven are missing. We haven't confirmed whether they're dead or captured.” I stared at the map spread across my desk. The northern border was one of our largest territories. It was covered by thick forests, rocky hills, and several narrow mountain passes. If the enemy crossed t
MARA ~~~•••~~~~ The slap has barely stopped stinging before I decide Clara is about to die. I stand frozen, one hand pressed against my burning cheek, staring at her in disbelief. The sharp sting spreads across my skin, but it is nothing compared to the humiliation twisting in my chest. Clara looks pleased with herself, her chin lifted as though she expects me to cry, run away, or do whatever she thinks a good girl like me should do. Beside her, Adrian swallows and gestures for me to calm down, looking almost as shocked as I feel. Before he can say another word, something inside me snaps. I launch myself at Clara. She barely has time to scream before I grab her hair and yank her off balance. We crash against the sofa, knocking a cushion to the floor. She claws at my hands, shrieking insults, but all I can think about is the years I spent swallowing my anger, the promises Adrian made, and the way he is standing there treating me as though I am the unreasonable one. "You slapped
MARA ~~~•••~~~ By the time Nina arrives at my place, the anger has begun to crumble, leaving just a painful ache in my chest. The moment I open the door, her eyes land on my face. Her playful expression vanishes, replaced by concern, she does not ask questions or demand an explanation. She simply pulls me into her arms. I cling to her, burying my face against her shoulder as the tears I have been holding back finally spill over. My chest aches with every breath, and I hate how easily Adrian's actions have managed to reduce me to this. Nina rubs my back, holding me until the worst of it passes. "That bastard," she mutters. "He stood there defending her." My voice cracks, and I pull back to wipe my cheeks. "He did not even ask if I was okay, Nina. She slapped me, and all he cared about was her!" "Because Adrian has always believed the world should revolve around him." Nina brushes a strand of hair away from my face. "And Clara is just as bad. Do not let either of them m
MARA ~~~•••~~~ By the time Nina arrives at my place, the anger has begun to crumble, leaving just a painful ache in my chest. The moment I open the door, her eyes land on my face. Her playful expression vanishes, replaced by concern, she does not ask questions or demand an explanation. She simply pulls me into her arms. I cling to her, burying my face against her shoulder as the tears I have been holding back finally spill over. My chest aches with every breath, and I hate how easily Adrian's actions have managed to reduce me to this. Nina rubs my back, holding me until the worst of it passes. "That bastard," she mutters. "He stood there defending her." My voice cracks, and I pull back to wipe my cheeks. "He did not even ask if I was okay, Nina. She slapped me, and all he cared about was her!" "Because Adrian has always believed the world should revolve around him." Nina brushes a strand of hair away from my face. "And Clara is just as bad. Do not let either of them m
MARA ~~~•••~~~ By the time Nina arrives at my place, the anger has begun to crumble, leaving just a painful ache in my chest. The moment I open the door, her eyes land on my face. Her playful expression vanishes, replaced by concern, she does not ask questions or demand an explanation. She simply pulls me into her arms. I cling to her, burying my face against her shoulder as the tears I have been holding back finally spill over. My chest aches with every breath, and I hate how easily Adrian's actions have managed to reduce me to this. Nina rubs my back, holding me until the worst of it passes. "That bastard," she mutters. "He stood there defending her." My voice cracks, and I pull back to wipe my cheeks. "He did not even ask if I was okay, Nina. She slapped me, and all he cared about was her!" "Because Adrian has always believed the world should revolve around him." Nina brushes a strand of hair away from my face. "And Clara is just as bad. Do not let either of them m
MARA ~~~•••~~~ By the time Nina arrives at my place, the anger has begun to crumble, leaving just a painful ache in my chest. The moment I open the door, her eyes land on my face. Her playful expression vanishes, replaced by concern, she does not ask questions or demand an explanation. She simply pulls me into her arms. I cling to her, burying my face against her shoulder as the tears I have been holding back finally spill over. My chest aches with every breath, and I hate how easily Adrian's actions have managed to reduce me to this. Nina rubs my back, holding me until the worst of it passes. "That bastard," she mutters. "He stood there defending her." My voice cracks, and I pull back to wipe my cheeks. "He did not even ask if I was okay, Nina. She slapped me, and all he cared about was her!" "Because Adrian has always believed the world should revolve around him." Nina brushes a strand of hair away from my face. "And Clara is just as bad. Do not let either of them m







