f my own thoughts. One morning, I walked into the gardens, hoping to find comfort a

ight?" he said,

ing around to see TJ, Magnus' ally

ng up?" he asked,

I'm surviving," I said, trying to k

'm TJ, by the way," he introd

bowed slightly, feeling a m

eaded?" he asked, sti

just taking a walk," I

ed politely. I shrugged, trying to

ith the usual heaviness. "So, what are your hobbies

the middle of pack troubles. "Well, I used to love

o see your paintings sometime,"

I admitted. My inner wolf, Zee, seemed curious, ackn

ou? Any hobbies or interests?" I asked,

the woods. Clears the m

Zee silently agreeing. "Ma

ing sense of friendship started to grow. Suddenly, a voice interrupted

a year after he was banished, hoping to hear his voice, but he never reached out. Now, h

sign that he still cared. "Get back here right now," he commanded sternly, and then he clos

e was there, and I could see the worry on his face. Suddenly seriou

de. The atmosphere had shifted, and Trent awaited my return with a cold, unsh

onto mine. "You think you can just wander off without my permi

off " I stammered, my voice be

to TJ. "What business do you have with my mist

ised his hands defensively. "I just ha

cutting through any remnants of pride or dignity. "You forget

pleading for understanding, for a

th a wave of his hand. "Go to your quart

the weight of his judgment. Once the love of his life, I was now

ight of the title "mistress" echoed in my mind like a hau

uring in that forsaken dungeon. Lost in thought, Zee's unease abruptly interrupted me, and Trent's unmistakable scent reached my noses.

adow. I didn't recognize her; she seemed from another pa

growled silently in response, fueling my own resentment an

wander around, huh?" Trent

ok a walk in the garden," I defe

inued pressing wet open-mouthed kisses to his neck. "Wh

, baby. Just an ordinary mistress, a plaything," he chuckled, and they cackled. Tears welled up

ed before leaving with the female. The pain in my heart was ove