36. Cassie

It's Dominic. No doubt about it. His voice is thin as paper now, but it’s still him.

The last time I saw him was inside the mine. My brain has steadily reduced that whirling terror to a few key images. My father's face, the bloody dagger at my feet. Dominics face, veins pulsing.

When he realised, same as myself, that we'd been set up. He knows I am innocent.

Dominic had been my training partner. Hours sparring on the heavy foam mats. Sweating, arms in agony from our swords clashing. One day, his expression switched. Steady to fierce before he roughly pressed his lips to mine.

Looking back, it was a scandalous move.

Seducing the daughter of his Alpha, knowing we weren't mates. At nineteen, I thought he was the bravest, most romantic man on earth. I’d spend blissful hours trailing my hands over his strong torso, admiring his olive-skinned ridges and ripples. His dark eyes sparkled with interest.

Four years of blame later, I’m not naive anymore. I trust nobody. However, time appear