lk

e cold, unforgiving wall. My cheek still stung from the sl

syllable a shard of glass cutting thro

ng else began to stir-a flicker

idn't choose Ragnor as my mate,

of their hatred for somet

spiraling thoughts. This time, the voice th

ie? It'

to mask the vulnerability etched in

her gentle presence a stark contrast to th

ened. Are you okay

ossible to speak. Nancy sighed, her warm hand findin

that," Nancy said firmly, her voice

, my voice barely audible. "I don'

"You're stronger than you think. And whether they like it or

all room. "It means nothing. He rejected me, Nancy.

utside interrupted her. Raised voices and hurried footsteps

g on?" I ask

face pale. "I don't know

side to investigate, the

who had ever shown me kindness. His expression was grim, his usual c

aid, his tone leaving

, my heart si

gaze darting briefly to Nancy before settling o

"What do you mean?

can snapped, though his eyes soft

. What could I possibly do to help the Alpha-the v

ry etched across her face. She gave my hand a reass

nodded and followed

ment, voices overlapping in panic

like a drum in my ears as Duncan led me down a s

ny. They stepped aside at Duncan's signal, and I stepped

olent convulsions. His skin was deathly pale, glisten

ly, locking onto mine with an intensi

se lingered in his ga

to him?" I asked,

ncan said grimly.

his words settling ov

ting?" I whispered, dre

s why you're here, Valkyrie. Your wolf-when it awakens-it has the p

s was why they'd taken me in. Not out of kindness or generos

f," I said, my voice brea

Duncan said, desperation

l, his body arching off the bed. His crimson eyes lock

were

gnor's hand shot out, claws exte