ISOLDE
For a moment, I forget how to breathe.
The words hang between us, heavy and unreal, as if the world itself has stopped breathing too.
Mate.
Mark you.
Live.
My heart pounds so hard it hurts, each beat echoing in my ears like a heavy bell.
“You…” My voice comes out thin. “You’re serious?”
Drogo does not look away. There is no hesitation in his eyes, only something raw.
“I would not say it if I weren’t,” he answers quietly.
My throat tightens, mouth opens and closes, without a word, as if I’ve forgotten how to use it. Slowly, I let go of his shirt, staring, waiting for him to laugh and brush it off as a joke.
He doesn’t.
“How long have you known?” My voice cracks.
Drogo’s gaze doesn’t falter. “The night you killed Camilla.” My eyes widen. “My wolf felt the thread and reco
