Orion's POV
Being refused by Elara hurt worse than I'd imagined. White-hot pain tore through me, like every bone in my body was splintering at once. But I couldn't fall apart in front of everyone. I forced myself to stand. My body wouldn't listen.
My wolf was howling in my head. In pain. Furious. You did this, Orion. Elara wants out. So do I.
I didn't have time for him. I knew he was hurting, same as me. All I could think about was holding the room together.
Eventually I got to my feet.
Elara and Samuel stood at the courtroom doors. They looked at each other with such warmth, it almost hurt to watch. Even the sunlight seemed to favor them. And I stood in the shadow they'd left behind.
I set my jaw and looked at the judge. My voice came out steady. Controlled. "This is settled. Carry
