n and desperation. Cypress paced the room like a caged animal, his dar

he floor," Finn said, arms crosse

, shooting him a glare.

l. "But you pacing won't solve the prob

ntion this?" Cypress snapped, h

oo busy tearing apart ever

that's exactly what this problem was doing to him. He had blacked out and kille

ow and tight. "Let's go. But if t

Finn cut in,

hem left the packhouse, the tensio

the mood for small talk, and Finn seemed to sense it. When they reached the outskirts of t

aid, stepping aside

rior was dimly lit, the scent of herbs and smoke filling the air. A figure moved in the

f amusement and intrigue, "the mi

games," Cypress growl

you've already lost control, haven't y

ened, but he

ing to a table covered in vials and strange obje

he said throug

e much more than that. You'

t, her words hangin

Cypress finally sai

lied, turning to face him. "But your blood doesn't lie. You're n

, but Cypress stayed still

he said, his voice

ne you killed. Her last breath carried more than just her hatre

killed countless people. How could he pos

an you?" the witch asked,

" Cypress admitted, his voice c

ur violence. But if you want to break thi

manded, his patie

as she spoke. "The curse was laid by a life you took. It

darkened. "What are

ly. "Her love-and her blood-are

augh. "You're joking. My

ide, Cypress. If you want to be free of this curse, you'll

if I

ore often. You'll kill more indiscriminately. And event

the weight of her wor

now, finally spoke. "There has

he only way. The bond between mates

ustration boiling over. "I rej

r tone indifferent. "But you'd better hurry. The c

hut. Finn followed, his expression a

night air did little

said, his v

es

ll know whe

"She's... not wh

ypress stopped, his e

itted. "I helped her escape. Sh

ared with fury. "

id, meeting his gaze. "And it turns out I

nothing. His mind was already spinnin

ke you to her?" Finn

gh gritted teeth. "But if

y. "You rejected her, Cypress. If you

ut the determined look in

long time, Cypress was