Chapter 75

Anita’s Pov

I sat there, still reeling from my flashback, the words of my stepmother echoing in my mind like ghostly whispers, haunting and relentless. Evelyn’s threats had cut deep, stirring old wounds, and I could feel the weight of them pressing down on me. I swallowed hard, fighting to steady myself, but the bitter taste of fear and frustration lingered, gnawing at my being.

Taking a shaky breath, I forced a small, bitter smile and stood, determined to leave before the pain could resurface and overwhelm me. But as I turned to go, Alpha Hades was already on his feet, reaching out and quickly closing the space between us. His expression softened, his eyes holding a depth of understanding that both surprised and disarmed me.

“Anita,” he called, his voice gentle but filled with pity. “Wait.”

I stopped, looking back at him, and something in his face made me pause. He took a step closer, his gaze steady as he searched my eyes, as though he could see the turmoil swirling inside me.