_Alaric's POV_
When I held Alina in my arms, a surge of emotions coursed through me, emotions that weren't entirely my own. I could feel her doubt, her fear, and a deep-seated insecurity. It was baffling since we hadn't marked each other yet. Normally, mates could only sense each other's emotions after marking, but here I was, feeling her turmoil as if it were my own.
She feared that I was like Caleb, that my kindness was a facade. This pained me deeply. Before I could reassure her, she pushed me away, her eyes wide with fear. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I can't... I can't do this."
She turned and fled up the stairs. I stood frozen, the shock of her sudden retreat leaving me momentarily paralyzed. Then I saw her falter, her steps growing unsteady. She rea
