Kael’s POV
The pain came in waves, sharper this time, dragging me down to my knees beside the bed. My hands clawed at my chest as if I could rip the mate bond out, tear it free, and breathe again. My wolf whimpered inside me, weaker than ever, punished for the betrayal of my heart.
Seren’s name still burned in my head, echoing, haunting. Every part of me screamed for her. But the bond screamed louder.
The door burst open.
“Kael? Kael!”
Ayla’s voice, trembling.
Through the blur of pain, I saw her rush inside. Her eyes were wide, glassy with panic, her hair tumbling free of the braid she must’ve thrown it in before running here. I could feel the tether pulling between us, the way her chest clenched in time with mine. Of course, she felt it. This is the worst the pain has ever gotten an
