ASHVIN
Her scent hits me before I even open the door, soft pine, moonlit warmth, and a faint tremor of sadness that slices through my chest like a blade. It calls to the wolf in me, demanding I go to her, hold her, and tell her everything is a lie. But lies are what got us here.
When I step inside, she’s standing by the bed, her eyes swollen from holding back tears she won’t let fall. The moment our eyes meet, the bond flares, sharp and merciless. Pain ripples across my chest, her pain, and mine tangled together, impossible to tell apart.
“Zahra-Rose.” Her name leaves my lips like a prayer I have no right to say.
She stiffens, her breath trembling. “Is it true?” Her voice cracks, soft and breaking. “Are you really… looking for someone to replace me?”
The words lodge in my throat. Ever
