**Elena**
“You know what... stay back,” I said sharply, pulling away from him. My voice was firm. “I don’t need your pity, Alpha Xavier.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off before a word could escape.
“It’s alright,” I said, forcing the calmness I didn’t feel. “I totally understand. When the time comes, I’ll end everything. For now, just pretend I don’t exist. And I’ll try not to be in your skin.” With that, I turned and walked away.
My footsteps echoed down the hall, but inside, my mind was racing.
The walk to my room felt endless, like time had slowed just to torment me. A sharp headache was creeping in—one I’d been trying to ignore all day.
I glanced down at my arm. The skin was bright red where Xavier and Mortina had grabbed me. Mortina’s grip barely hurt,
