I think I had run out of strength.
Out of anger.
Out of ways to hold myself together.
Because there was one more question clawing at me, and every instinct screamed not to ask it — because I already believed that I knew the answer. And it would destroy me if my superstition were right.
The tears came first.
Silent.
Hot.
Betraying me before I could swallow them back.
“Veyra…” Varion whispered, stepping toward me as if my tears were breaking his heart. I held up a trembling hand, begging him with my eyes to stay where he was.
“No, don’t—please. Just… let me get this out.”
His chest rose and fell with tight, shallow breaths — like he was bracing for impact.
“When you told me…” My voice fractured. I forced the shards into words.
“When you said I was your mate… I need to know i
