(Chapter 117:Mira's Pov)
"…Then we don't let him win."
His words hung in the air—simple, ruthless, and full of promise. But promises felt fragile when it came to someone like Nereus.
Caelyn let out a heavy breath, his usual arrogance replaced by something raw. "You don't understand, Lorenzo. This bond… it's not a prison—it's a part of me. My magic is already shifting, not against my will, but toward him. And if I give in completely—" He stopped, his jaw clenching tight.
I stepped closer, my pulse quickening. "You won't lose yourself," I said, softer this time. "He's your mate, Caelyn. That connection—it isn't a curse."
His head snapped toward me, something torn and vulnerable flickering beneath his hardened exterior. "You think I don't know that?" His voice dropped, rough around the edges. "It's not about wanting him. I do. And that's the problem."