"I was so happy," Seraphina said softly, her eyes distant with false memories. "We were in our den, and Valerius was telling me stories about when we first met. He made me my favorite tea and held me close all night."
Every word she spoke was a knife twisting in my gut. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but my wolf was howling in agony. The thought of my mate in another Alpha's arms, sharing intimate moments that should have been ours, was unbearable.
"And then?" I prompted, my voice rougher than I intended.
Seraphina's eyes clouded. "I fell asleep in his arms, feeling safe and loved. When I woke up..." She glanced around the room, fear flickering across her face again. "I was here. With strangers who claimed I belonged to them."
Ronan moved closer, his face carefully composed despite the pain I knew he was feeling. "Seraphina, there's something you should know about your... relationship with Valerius."
"What?" Her brow furrowed with concern.
