CHAPTER SEVENTY

Balin looks shocked at my actions, but my chest is hurting at his cruel words.

“That was low,” I stare at him, my voice harsh. “That was below the belt for someone who I was beginning to admire as a person.”

I see sharp regret in his eyes, and he steps forward, “Isa-”

“I’m glad,” I murmur, my eyes hollow. “I’m glad you showed me this part of you, now. You are the most despicable person I’ve ever met. Knowing - Having gone through losing your own loved ones, you would throw my loss in my face? You think it’s easy for me to find myself attracted to someone? Even if it’s just my body’s reaction? Wolves are physical by nature. I have been holding myself back, repressing myself. If anybody is to judge me for my thoughts, it is only ever going to be me. Not you. Never you.”

Balin’s face is pale, and I turn around, “I’m going to go for a walk. I’ll be fine since there are so many people here. You should rest.”

It’s difficult to control myself as I walk away, to keep my tears at bay, to p