Chapter 2

Erik and Clara probably expected me to lose my mind—to scream, to curse, to break down in tears and demand why he didn't love me.

But I only stood there quietly, thinking about the three years I'd wasted on one person.

Everyone believed I loved Erik the way dragonfire was destined to burn the sky—fiercely, endlessly, and to the death. Once, guided by fate, I truly had loved him. But now, I couldn't summon even a flicker of that love.

What kept me by Erik's side was the dragon clan, the place that had raised me.

After I was rescued, my father had taught me how to hunt, and many who had seen me in action said I was born a hunter. He'd hoped that I would not only be able to protect myself but also guard every member of the dragon clan.

So, when I learned that I was Erik's fated mate, excitement had burned through me until my whole body felt hot. I'd poured all my energy and affection into him.

I'd charged into battle for him, and I'd also forced myself to settle down and study the tedious clan lore I'd always hated. Countless times I'd wanted to give up, but I'd also still wanted to be like my father had said and protect every single member of the clan.

Sure enough, the Frost Dragon tribe had grown stronger and more stable, just as everyone expected.

But after that, I'd seen Erik less and less. At first, I'd simply thought he was overwhelmed with tribe matters and couldn't get away.

Then, one day, I'd brewed a calming potion and gone to see him, only to walk in on him with an arm around Clara's waist, teaching her how to do the waltz.

Even though I'd known that he and I were only bound by a contract, my heart had still clenched so hard that I couldn't breathe.

My sorrow had risen up like a tide and drowned me.

If someone had to stand beside Erik, then why couldn't it be me? Why could it be Clara, but not me? Why had he refused to look at me, no matter how hard I tried?

Now, I had my answer—giving everything didn't necessarily win a person's love.

My calm reaction was the exact opposite of what Erik expected. In the past, I would've cried and thrown a fit.

He stepped toward me in disbelief. "What did you just say?"

I looked straight into his eyes and repeated, "I said, I was wrong. I was wrong to think that if I tried hard enough to catch up to you, you would stay with me forever. I was wrong to think that once I was strong enough to stand at your side, you would be willing to really look at me."

Erik frowned, then smiled mockingly. "You're acting out again to get my attention."

I parted my lips, wanting to tell him our contract was about to expire. Then, I suddenly decided to drop it.

There were only three days left until our bond dissolved on its own, anyway. It didn't matter anymore. Even if I told him, he wouldn't care about me.