Chapter Twenty-TwoLeo’s POVIn the midst of the excruciating pain caused by the fracture of our bond, I managed to summon the courage to break free from the suffocating chains that held me captive. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed my being, but anger surged through my veins with an unparalleled intensity. Anger and heartbreak intertwined, threatening to consume me entirely. However, deep down, I understood that I couldn't allow this tumultuous chapter to mark the end of my journey.My mother's petty jealousies orchestrated the chain of events that led to this desolate state. Her inability to let go of the past has left me standing here, a mere fragment of the man I once was. I have lost the one woman who held profound significance in my life, the woman I cherished and adored. But now, she has vanished from my grasp, leaving behind an agonizing void.As my vision blurred with a haze of fury, I charged towards the door that offered an escape from this wretched prison. My chest rose and

Leo’s POV For two weeks, I had been trapped in the recesses of Shadow's mind, relinquishing control of my own life. Arabella, the woman I loved,may have rejected me, but the mark I had left on her skin remained, connecting us in a way that I couldn't escape no matter how much I tried. It was a constant reminder of the pain and turmoil she was going through, giving me a front row seat.As I resided within Shadow's consciousness, I felt everything Arabella experienced. Her pain and fear became my own as she went into heat, a result of the rejection I refused to accept. It tore at my heart to know that I was the cause of her suffering, even if it was unintentional.Every moment, I longed to be by her side, to offer comfort and support. But I knew that my presence would only exacerbate her pain.I had made mistakes, kept secrets that had ultimately led to this moment. If only I had been honest from the beginning, if I had revealed my true nature before we grew close, perhaps we could hav

Leo’s POVThe metallic aroma of blood invaded my senses even before I dared to open my eyes. Its tangy, coppery scent served as a haunting reminder of the destruction I had once again unleashed. As I sat on the damp grass, my head shook in disbelief at the lifeless bodies before me. I had convinced myself that I was prepared to fight for Arabella, or at least I believed I was. However, witnessing the sheer horror reflected in her eyes as she discovered the aftermath of my killing spree, fear overcame me, and I fled like a fucking coward.Having sifted through the belongings of those whose lives I had ended, I stumbled upon a lighter and a set of fresh clothes. With a heavy heart, I dragged the lifeless bodies into the tent. Taking a moment to steady myself, I took a swig from the bottle of bourbon I had found, letting the fiery liquid burn my throat. Pouring the remaining contents of the bottle over the evidence, dousing it in alcohol while I played with the lighter. With a flick, I s

Chapter Twenty-EightArabella’s POVAs I was ushered away from Leo, a whirlwind of emotions threatened to consumed me. Anger, fear, and betrayal swirled within, making it difficult to process the events that had just unfolded.How could I have been so foolish to believe that he deserved another chance? I had gone to great lengths to protect him from the council, only to be met with the terrifying reality that his inner beast could have easily ended my life.The realisation hit me like a tidal wave. It was clear that Leo's Lycan had no regard for my safety. The way he had lunged at me, the sharp claws digging into my skin, it was a chilling reminder of the danger I had willingly placed myself in.I had ignored the warnings, the doubts that had nagged at the back of my mind. I had wanted to see the good in him, to believe that love and understanding could conquer all. That maybe, just maybe, the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing. But now, I was left with the harsh reality that my tru

Leo’s POVArabella was too good for me. Especially considering all the mistakes I had made since she rejected me. I had urged her to fight for our relationship, desperately wanting her back. But deep down, I knew I was trapped in this place, with no hope of escape. Even if I miraculously managed to gain my freedom, there was always the looming threat of Shadow regaining control and going after Arabella once again.The risks were too great, and I couldn't bear the thought of Arabella becoming another victim of my cursed existence as a Lycan. She had already endured so much pain and suffering. She deserved a life filled with joy and fulfillment, one that would undoubtedly be longer and happier without me in the picture.As the guard approached to take me away, my body felt drained of all strength. I could barely muster the energy to stand. With a forceful grip, he yanked me up, causing me to stumble and collapse back onto the ground. Frustration consumed the guard, and he lashed out, de