attered into fragments. If I had been smart enough to listen to my instincts, I would've bolted from that castle-e

and die," Dante said, clasping his

na, I'm planning something more grand-rig

orced myself out of my daze. A rush of heat filled my senses, signaling I had little time left. Despite my desire to storm in and confront them, I

window on my right revealed the Blood

. The scent of sandalwood was everywhere, surrounding me. I had n

y thighs. My heart pounded erratically, and my k

sped, "please d

aying me, desperately urging me to turn around. A hoarse whimper esca

, collapsing to my knees as

d fled. I knew the scent belonged to Enzo, but I refused to acknowledge it.

oor, trying to drag myself forward des

teps growing louder as he approached. A low, mocking chu

keeping me in place until he reached me. Enzo crouched beside me, gently taking my hands and l

mate?" His voice was almost soothi

spat through gritted t

u. Mates can't kill each other-it's the way the Fates designed it. I just need to be rid of you.

, struggling to push him away, but he d

dmit, you look stunning in that dress." His gaze lingered on my chest, a cruel smi

words ignited. I hated that my body responded to him. I hated

"I would've done it, too," he murmured, his hand tr

e," I snarled, my voic

e fight him off. After a moment, he pulled his hand away, sighing in feigned disappointment.

body tensing at the sound of his voice. "How long are you going to

anic laced my voice. "Why d

itimate reason to reject you," Enzo

, holding a small vial. "What is that?" I whisper

you," Enzo said calmly,

down my throat. I choked and tried to resist, but his hand clamped

ver win," Enzo growled, a

sed me, and a moment later, fire coursed through my

u done to me?

coldly. "Guido has to declare you too w

into knots. Even through the excruciating pain,

st*rd,"

worry, the burning will stop soon enough," he whispered

catching me each time I came close to collapsing. The wolfsbane had nearly paralyzed me, leaving me unable t

helming pull I once felt toward Enzo. The warmth between us shattered, repla

f him. Would he treat his mate this way, if she turned out to be a shrouds wolf? Or worse, wolfless? Why was I even thi

bond-with me-would only weaken him. He claimed he was ready to sacrifice his mate for the good of the pack.

scratching his long gray beard and nodding along. What was I even hoping for? Justice? Fairness? There was no

tacle. I scanned the faces in the crowd, desperate to find my sister. But she w

eed you to assess whether my son's bond with his mate will weaken him." He gave a sh

efore turning to Guido. "Look her over and t

eyed me, my legs barely holding me up as Dante kept me from collaps

smoothly. "How was I supposed to know

insides twisted. Couldn't they see what was ha

lashing in his eyes. "There's something wrong with he

on, healer! Is she too weak

s brow furrowing. "

ply, pushing Guido aside. "Gianna

ices. "Reject her!" someone shouted. "She c

felt his grip loosen, leaving me to crumple to the ground at Enzo'

it. The golden thread that connected

the ballroom, each word striking like a bl

that, the th