The cold stone floor was still biting at my skin, but Alice’s footsteps had long faded. I took a deep, shaky breath, pushing back the tears. There was no point in crying, no use in being weak. I had learned that lesson fast in the human world. Tears didn't fix anything; they just showed your enemies where to aim.
I was not weak. And I would not let Alice, or anything else, bring back those old insecurities.
But I guess I spoke too soon.
The heavy door to the dungeon opened again. My heart, a traitorous thing, instantly understood who it was. It didn't just beat; it leapt. It came alive, thumping hard against my ribs, a wild drum telling me he was near. The mate bond wrapped around me like a warm blanket.
"It's good of you to show up," I said, my voice trying to be sharp, trying to hide
