ONCE BROKEN: NOW BOUND TO THE ALPHA KING

CHAPTER 001 MALI ‘S POV In silence, Mali huddled behind a twisted pine, her heart exploding and her breath coming in short gasps. She hardly noticed the cold air biting at her skin. The truth was playing out in front of her like a cruel joke, and her gaze was fixed on the clearing close to the outskirts. In her heart, she had known. After three years of immersing herself in what she believed to be unbreakable love, something had changed within her. The connection that formerly bound her and Kitsada together seemed to be evaporating. He no longer spoke to her in the same way. He no longer displayed mocking smirks. There were no quiet murmurs in the shadows. Like icy pebbles, only stiff words or silence went by. For too many nights, she had stared at the ceiling, wondering what she had done wrong. The fire between them had gone out. Now, however, concealed in the trees, she could plainly see it. Kit was standing in the open field, leaning against her sister, Anong. Mali had seen the looks before. The anxious smiles were a familiar sight. She was struck by the lingering touches. Hoping it was all in her imagination, she had disregarded everything. But there it was, indisputably. Her fingers dug into the tree's bark as she gritted her teeth. How come she had to be the one? Anong, why? As Kit touched Anong's cheek with a tenderness he hadn't displayed in months, her chest contorted. She had put her trust in him. That was the most painful part. Not only was she betrayed, but her hope was foolish. She wiped away her tears. Put an end to your tears. This is not the place for you. I'm not in this place right now. I followed him, but why? Perhaps I wouldn't have felt like the floor beneath me was collapsing if I had simply remained in bed. She sprayed masking oil on herself, telling herself that her paranoia was unfounded. But she was aware now. They had fallen in love. She felt like an outsider, too. Nevertheless, a part of her held on to something. Once he was tender. He spoke carefully. He made her feel like a princess back when they discovered they were destined to be together, as though the entire world was theirs. When he used to say her name, his voice would shake. To commit her pulse to memory, he would trace her wrist. With his hands, he constructed their home, claiming it would outlast them both. He had once muttered, "This is where our children will grow up." "This place will remain theirs even after we are gone. Mali turned away and walked slowly out of the clearing. She would never forget that scene. It was getting late when she returned to the house. Her weight made the porch creak, but it was hardly audible. She pushed the door open and walked to their room. The bed was chilly. Ginger and lemongrass were still clinging to the sheets. They used to soothe her. Her chest tightened now. As though it could fill the void he had left, she gripped his pillow tightly and pressed it against her. I should leave. Where would I go, though? Even worse, what if I wasn't present when he returned? She waited. Hours passed in the span of minutes. There was a creak in the door. She smelled him before he did. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. He let out a sigh. His fingers brushed back her hair. Her temple was scraped by lips. "Mali, you have my love. However, I apologize. There was a soft rustle. The sheets enveloped her. He lay next to her. An arm wrapped itself around her waist. Her entire body tensed. He wouldn't be acting in this way if he truly loved me. Willing herself not to cry again, she bit her lip. Still, the tears betrayed her. "Mali..." She remained motionless. "I believe I need help..." He gasped for air. He paused. "No, it's no longer a thought. I am aware of my feelings. Every word was a blade. He had another love. She felt like screaming. Ask him why as you turn around. However, what was the purpose? He used to follow her around the house until she burst into laughter. He was unable to meet her gaze at this point. She longed for the past. He pretended to pout until she gave him a farewell kiss. They would argue over who loved the other more. He would assure her that he would find her soul in the afterlife, even if the world ended. He now whispered secrets to another person in the dark. She clenched her fist around her mouth, barely suppressing the threatening sob. She was unable to let him hear it. She was unable to express to him how broken she truly was. She had defended the clan. She had shed blood, made sacrifices, and undergone training for them. For him. Why wasn't that sufficient? The only thing she fully devoted herself to was him. She traced his jaw's curve with her finger. He appeared calm even when he was sleeping. He exuded calmness, as if nothing was wrong. As if he hadn't split her in two. You claimed to love me. The sun rose too quickly. She felt a hand shake her shoulder. "Awaken, Mali. Today is the date. Her eyes were burning from the light, and she blinked. Kit, fully clothed, hovered over her. "Where did you spend the previous evening? I woke up and found you gone. She was fully aware of his location. However, she secretly hoped he would confess. He massaged his neck. "I was... on the periphery. Patrol required assistance. Untruthful. Her throat ached. "Is that the truth?" He gave a quick nod. "Yes. In any case, put on some clothes. It's time. "Time for what?" "The contract. We're joining forces with the Wounded Moon Clan. Her mouth became parched. "They're the strongest out there," he added. "It might alter everything." Naturally. The ideal diversion. Politics. Plan. He did everything he could to avoid talking about the crucial issues. He turned and left her alone in the room. From the edge of the bed, Mali sat and gazed down at her hands. They trembled. Their trembling was not due to fear. The pain was no longer accompanied by sadness. Beneath the pain, something else was blossoming. Decide. She would no longer pretend. Not indefinitely. Not when everything they had constructed was already falling apart.