ISABEL'S POV
The day dragged on, as slow as a slog. Every minute that ticked by brought me closer to the nightmare—the mating ceremony. The sun has already gone down and it was almost nightfall. I paced the room like a caged animal, my mind racing with futile escape plans. Every corner of the room seemed to be sealed, every door locked, every window barred. There was no way out, no escape from this terrible fate.
Eventually, exhaustion won out, and I sank down into the corner of the room, hugging my knees to my chest. I buried my face in a pillow, my tears soaking through the fabric as my sobs racked my body. The thought of being forced to mate with Alpha Drew in mere hours from now made my stomach twist painfully.
With Leo, it had been different. I hated him, yes, but at least I knew h
