Selene POV
I lean against the bookshelf, Istha's words still echoing like poison in my veins.
But then another thought cuts through the haze.
‘What about Rex?’
'He's been living in hell for twelve years. And if the dragon takes full control...'
The image flashes—Rex's eyes pure red, the beast unleashed, villages burning, packs slaughtered, the kingdom drowning in blood.
'He wouldn't survive that. Not the man inside. Rex would be gone forever.'
My fingers curl into fists, nails biting palms.
And yet—
The thought of his "true mate" still cuts deeper than any claw.
Some other woman—chosen, perfect, destined—taking his arms at night, his desperate kisses, the way he looks at me like I'm his only anchor.
She's the one the Moon Goddess picked. Not me.
I'm just the mistake. The tempor
