Alera's Pov
The training ground buzzed with activity, but all I could focus on was the sharp sting of my thoughts. Darius. My rejected mate.
I was no stranger to pain. I had endured loss, betrayal, and even the agony of my own broken heart when he chose power over me. But nothing, nothing, could prepare me for how deeply it hurt to see him here—so close, yet so far.
Lira was beside me, watching my distracted gaze flicker toward Darius as he conversed with one of Kael’s trusted advisors. The way he stood, relaxed and commanding, made me want to rip my eyes away, but it felt like the bond—the one he had so carelessly severed—was still pulling at me, tethering me to him.
"Alera," Lira said, her voice laced with concern. "You’re doing it again. He’s not worth it."
"I know," I muttered und
