"Aria, wake up. Please, wake up."The voice sounded distant, muffled, as if coming from underwater. I tried to open my eyes, but my body refused to obey. Every muscle felt like lead, and breathing required more effort than I could manage."Her heartbeat is too slow." That was Elder Thomas, his weathered voice tight with concern. "This is not just bond-sickness. Someone has poisoned her.""Poisoned?" A female voice I did not recognize gasped. "But who would—""Get out." Zack's command cracked through the room like a whip. "Everyone leave. Now."I heard shuffling feet and closing doors. Then silence, heavy and suffocating. Strong hands gripped my shoulders, and Zack's scent—pine and rain and pure male dominance—washed over me. Even dying, my traitorous body responded to my mate.Former mate, I reminded myself bitterly."What have I done?" His voice broke, and I felt wetness drop onto my cheek. Was he crying? "Aria, I do not understand what happened. One moment you were mine, and the nex
Last Updated : 2025-10-31 Read more