the punishment, but at least I wasn't drowning in agony anymore. Sleep had come heavily, like a thick, s

e. Whatever healing balm Theon had brought me had helped, but not nearl

The castle was still asleep-just the way I liked it. Mornings were my only moments of pe

outside for fresh a

nature. My breath caught in my throat, and I turned my head in

I saw

ri

ntil it wasn't. His movements faltered, his muscles locking up as his head snappe

abs, the tattoos carved across his chest and ribs. None of that mattered. Not

the sky. A deep, guttural growl rumbled in his chest, his wolf-the

a

through my very bones. My wolf, the one I had never hea

e in a brutal, consuming kiss. Heat exploded through me, a wildfire spreading in my veins. M

ent, nothing

suddenly, it w

y, his expression twisting into something

ning a hand through his

ch on my lips. My heart was a thunderous roar in my chest, but

like the ground beneath

ou say a single word to anyone about t

mth that had ignited moment

d, his hands fisting at his sides like he was ba

t shouldn't have hur

uld fucking destroy you in this state. But don't get comfortable." His

l and left, not spar

he bond that had nearly consumed me just mo

used

ack into the kitchen, gripping the counter fo

and I threw myself into work, preparing breakfas

f dishes. I could feel eyes on me-King Maximilian, watching me with tha

t. His p

he wa

trolled. Not a single trace of the chaos from

his goblet down with finality. "Our visit is ove

or them to be gone. But it lasted

coming

napped up

able, but his eyes flashed wit

my hea

told, or you'll learn yo

reat, and the dining hall stille

was firm. "She

ps curling into a smirk.

s chin. "Becaus

le

e sense. My heart sl

ly close to the surface. I could see the raw fu

ve. Terr

o

my soul. Dori

e hell was

is features. "Is that so?" His voice was low, deadly. "Well