Liora's POV
I woke alone.
The sheets beside me were cold. No trace of Jax except the ache between my legs and the burning mark on my neck.
I touched it. Winced. The skin was raised, tender. A permanent brand.
A knock came before I could spiral further.
"Liora?" Mira's voice. "Can I come in?"
I pulled the blanket up. "Yeah."
She entered carrying another tray. Her eyes went straight to my neck. Something flickered across her face.
"He marked you."
It wasn't a question.
"Yeah."
She set the tray down. Sat on the edge of the bed. "How do you feel?"
"Like I've been claimed by a man who doesn't actually want me."
"That's not true."
"Isn't it?" I pushed myself up. The movement sent pain shooting through me. "He has Seraphina. I'm just the backup plan."
