lit candles. Her aunt sang happy birthday to her, tears streaming down her face. This was the only gift Lireal had ever re

took a deep breath, trying to muster up the courage to speak her wish aloud. She knew it was selfish, but she couldn't help it. She wished for freedom, for a chance to live a normal

she asked, her voice laced with both humor and hope. Lireal nodded, trying to muster up a real smile. "Yeah, I can't wait. I just

r what happens, I will always be here for you, okay?" Lireal nodded, feeling a lump forming in her throat. She knew her aunt meant well, but the truth was, she di

y balanced her tray of food, her eyes darting left and right, searching for an empty t

and her tray of food flying. Lireal landed on the cold, hard floor, her face burning with embarrassment as the contents of her lunch splattered around her.

lling in soft waves around his face, framing his emerald green eyes. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a lean, muscular build that was accentuated by his well-fitted

into his eyes, she saw something there that she had never seen before. Something that made her feel safe, protected. She reached out and took his

abruptly pushing her away. The force of his release sent her stum

air, echoing through the shocked silence that fell over the crowded cafeteria. It was as if

r?" He gestured dismissively towards Lireal, who was still struggling to comprehend what had just happened. The other students, confused by the turn of ev

face her. "I reject you as my mate!" he declared. The crowd gasped! No one had ever said "no" to their dest

tered, her dreams crushed. She didn't understand why he had done this to