ra

aid, her voice strangely flat. "T

just sounds, meaningless and absurd. "What a

curled her lip. "Oh, he's waiting, Liora. But

out a confused, heartbroken whimper. The word 'mate' was a sacred thi

A freshly inked silver rune shimmered on he

sigil of a Chosen Mate-a binding ritual an Alpha perf

ep from collapsing. My reflection stared back at me,

s a raw, ragged te

rational. "The Betas hold a lot of power. With their loyalty, his tr

m that strength. You have to understand. The pack's needs come before everything else." Her v

resided. It was the feeling of a fated connection beginning to fray, a spiri

block of ice. He hadn't just decided. He h

hed into a furious snarl. *Liar!

ue Alpha nature. I had to get out. I had to see him. But the facade h

ate. "No," I choked out, stumbling toward the door.

miliate yourself, Liora," she called

ns, the silver lanterns and moonflower garlands, seemed to mock me. I ran, the silk of my

hock and confusion. I could hear their whispers, their questions about

oming beacon leading me straight to the source of my pain. It pul

I could hear voices from within-Kade