Page 49 of My Fated Mate

Looking at Elara's kind eyes, I realize the answer isn't as simple as yes or no.

I need time to process everything, to understand the depth of Thorne's actions and the truth behind his rejection.

"I… I need some time to think," I stammer.

Wait! Is that what I need?

No… no. Actually, what I need is closure, and I know exactly who to get it from.

It isn’t enough to understand Thorne's actions; I need to hear them from him, to see the remorse in his eyes, to feel a semblance of apology for the gaping wound he'd left in my heart.

I know exactly who I need to find.

"Thank you, Elara," I said, offering a grateful smile. "For everything."

Pushing myself off the bed, I ignored the protest from my body. Every ache and pain is consumed by the storm raging within me.

With a newfound purpose, I march towards the door, throwing it open before Elara can react.

"Elowen, wait!" Elara calls out, concerned. "Where are you going?"

"To find answers."

From the right person.

Chapter 15

THORNE

Sweat stings my eyes, blurring the image of Rylan lunging at me.

I deflect his blow with a snarl, the primal urge to fight a welcome distraction.

“Come on!” I bare my teeth at him, a savage grin on my lips.

Every punch, every kick, is a furious echo of the storm raging inside me.

Back in my pack, surrounded by the familiar scent of pine and damp earth, a part of me feels an echo of comfort.

Yet, somehow, I don’t feel good about myself at all. And I know just the reason.

Before I can stop myself, my gaze darts towards the wall separating the training area from the living quarters.

It's a mere barrier, yet it feels like an insurmountable barricade.

Elowen is on the other side, unconscious, and every fiber of my being screams to go to her—to see if she's awake, to hold her hand, to do everything I can to erase the look of betrayal that haunted her eyes. All because of me.

My wolf whines deep in my chest. He feels everything I feel. But not with the control I have.

He strains against the leash of reason, and I have to remind him that charging into Elowen like a lovesick fool is hardly the solution.

But before I can do anything, I am arrested by the press of metal to my throat. The point of Rylan's training sword digs into my skin with a gentle pressure that speaks volumes.

He wouldn't be able to pin me so easily if my head wasn't miles away.

"Lost in thought again, Alpha?" Rylan's voice is a low rumble laced with amusement.

He knows me too well. My best friend, my confidante, the only one who truly understands the burden of leadership and the weight of prophecy.

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