All Chapters of Marked By Fate: The Alpha Who Loved Me: Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

Katrina’s POVLiam pulled back just enough to look at me properly, his silver eyes catching the dim light from the lamp by the bed. They were so full of concern and softness it almost broke me. He searched my face like he was afraid I would vanish if he blinked.“You’re holding on to me like I’m going to disappear,” he said softly. His voice was gentle, but there was something hidden under the words, like a question he didn’t want to ask out loud. He tried to smile, but it came out crooked, more like a flicker than a real smile.I tried to laugh, but it didn’t sound like me. It was thin, shaky, and small. “I just…” I swallowed hard, my voice cracking a little. “I’m glad you’re here,” I whispered. My fingers clutched at the fabric of his shirt like I was afraid to let go.His eyes softened even more, a warmth passing over them like sunlight breaking through clouds. He reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair from my face, tucking it gently behind my ear. His thumb lingered agains

Katrina’s POVAnna and I spent the next day deep in the forest, surrounded by the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds. The air smelled fresh, damp with morning dew, and the sunlight peeked through the trees, scattering golden light across the moss-covered ground. It was peaceful, but my body wasn’t. Every muscle in me burned as I threw punches, blocked, ducked, and kicked.Anna stood a few feet away, watching closely, correcting my stance when I faltered. “Lower your arm, Katrina,” she said sharply when I missed a block. “You leave your ribs open when you do that.”I adjusted immediately, sweat dripping down my forehead. My breath came in short, shaky gasps. “Like this?” I asked, trying to mimic her movement.A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Better. But faster. You need to react without thinking.”And that’s exactly what we practiced for hours. Over and over. Until my legs trembled beneath me and my arms felt like lead. When I collapsed onto the soft forest flo

Katrina’s POVIt still felt strange—being treated like someone important. Like their Luna. My stomach twisted a little. I wasn’t used to people looking at me like that. I missed being invisible sometimes, just another girl laughing with her friends.Then I spotted Ariana and Blake sitting by the window. They had already ordered, and Ariana was waving excitedly when she saw me. Her bright smile was the first thing that made me feel normal all day.When I walked toward them, they both stood up quickly and bowed slightly, their faces serious. My chest squeezed tight at the sight.“Hey!” I said, forcing a smile. “What are you two doing?”Ariana blinked, looking nervous. “You’re the Luna now,” she said softly, as if it explained everything.Before she could lower her head again, I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She gasped, but then her arms wrapped around me tightly.“You’re my friend, Ariana,” I whispered. “You don’t ever have to bow to me.”When I pulled away, Blake was standing t

Katrina’s POVI stood beside the bed, trying to calm the nervous flutter in my stomach. The room glowed softly with the light of a few candles I had placed carefully on the table and windowsill. Their tiny flames flickered, casting gentle shadows that danced along the walls. The scent of lavender and honey from the candles filled the room, mixing with the faint smell of pine that always lingered because of Liam.The table I had set up wasn’t fancy, but it felt warm and personal. Two plates sat opposite each other, with a bowl of roasted vegetables and a small basket of bread between them. I’d even managed to get one of the omegas to bring up Liam’s favorite wine. The sight of everything ready should’ve made me happy—but all I could feel was a deep ache in my chest. Tonight had to be perfect because I didn’t know if I’d ever get another night like this with him.Then I heard footsteps in the hallway—slow, steady, and so familiar that my heart skipped a beat. The door opened, and Liam s

Katrina’s POVBut he was wrong. Because tonight, when he fell asleep, I would leave him. I would walk straight into the danger I had seen in my dream. Because I would rather die fighting for the people I loved than stay safe while they suffered.I leaned closer and kissed Liam again, deeper this time, trying to pour all the love and pain I felt into that one kiss. His lips were soft but firm, familiar in a way that made my heart ache. He tasted like mint and warmth and everything that felt like home. My fingers curled into his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel him, needing to remember this.His hands came up to hold my waist, steady and sure, like they always were. He had a way of touching me that made me feel safe, even when the world around us was falling apart. But that safety was exactly what scared me. If I stayed in it too long, I’d never be able to leave.I broke the kiss slowly and looked at him. His silver eyes searched mine, full of concern and something deeper—somet