Kaya’s face shut down almost immediately after it lit up. Raphael remained on his knees, looking at her with a nervous and hopeful expression. The silence was heavy as the wind blew calmly and the trees swayed softly. Then, as he noticed her hesitation, his own expression darkened.
Kaya looked away without a word, raising the cup to her lips and taking a slow and deliberately delicate sip.
“Is there something wrong?” Raphael asked, his puzzled tone betraying his hand holding the ring as it dropped to his side and sat back on his heels.
Kaya sighed deeply, steadying her emotions before she spoke, her head aching with a dull pressure.
“There’s everything wrong, Raphael,” she said, smoothing her dress. “With what I’ve come to learn about werewolves, someday you’re going to meet your mate
