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ng." Luna's face softens. "Are you sure? Maybe it meant more to him than you think." I shake my head. "No. He didn't even glance at me. I don't think he felt it at all." Silence settles between us, thick and uncomfortable. Luna doesn't know what to say, and honestly, neither do I. How can you explain something that feels so real to you, while the other person acts like it never happened? "I don't know what to do," I say meekly. "Why can't I just be normal like everyone else? Why do I constantly have to be different?" Luna sighs and wraps her arm around my shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with being different, Aria. But you need to talk to him. Figure out what's actually going on." I nod, though I don't know if I have the confidence to meet Damian again. He's ignored me all day, like I'm invisible. And now, I'm starting to believe that's all I'll ever be to him. Aria's POV Throughout the day, Damian keeps his distance, scarcely acknowledging my existence. Every time I catch a sight of him, he's surrounded by other pack members, giving commands and training like he always does. He acts like nothing's changed, like the tie between us isn't even there. But I can feel it. It's like a constant tug at my heart, pushing me toward him whether I want it or not. Every time he's near, the bond gets stronger, but I know it's one-sided. I've never heard of a mate bond being neglected, but here I am, living it. I look from afar, feeling more alone than ever. Luna's words keep running in my thoughts, but I don't know how to approach him. What if I'm wrong? What if it's all in my head? "Why can't I just be normal like everyone else?" I whisper to myself, my throat tightening with frustration. The other wolves don't have to cope with this. They know where they stand in the pack. They don't have to question everything, way I do. They don't have to experience the weight of rejection before it even