~Voridian~
I watched as Elowen tossed for what felt like the umpteenth time. I had expected her to wake as soon as I brought her to my room, but hours had passed, and she still hadn’t stirred. I never left her side—not once—because I was determined to be there when she opened her eyes so I could explain why I’d kept the truth from her: that we were mates. I hadn’t expected Thane to uncover the truth so fast, and now he wasn’t the only one who knew.
Karius had stopped by my room three times, checking on her and urging me to step out, but I refused. I stayed, studying how she slept, her restless movements tugging at something deep inside me. This wasn’t just about the mate bond anymore. A fierce need to shield her from every harm had taken root in me, and this was what I’d always feared—sh
