After his recovery, he grew even more deranged.
He began to block my path outside my tent, on my way to fetch water, and when I went to the training grounds. His entire being had become gaunt and emaciated, his eyes fixed with a paranoid glint, like a wandering ghost.
He no longer pleaded, but spoke in a tone bordering on threat.
"Elena, my mate, why won't you forgive me?"
"Do not forget, we are mates chosen by the Moon Goddess!"
His words made me halt completely.
I turned around and looked him in the eye for the first time.
"Alpha Marcus," I said calmly, using his name. "You're right. The Moon Goddess was blind when she paired you with me."
"So now, I don't want it."
I return you to yourself, and to Selena.
"I, Elena, refuse Alpha Marcus as my mate."
I uttered the re
