Chapter 33: Mate first

Leila's

As Lucas walked me to the dungeon, a cold, suffocating numbness settled over me. My mate, the one who had sworn to love and protect me, had sent me to the dungeon. Me—his own mate, the one who was supposed to be his other half. My mind raced with disbelief, struggling to comprehend how things had spiraled so far out of control.

What happened to the "I love yous"? The promises? The bond that was supposed to be unbreakable? I had always believed that no matter what, we would stand by each other. But now, the reality of my situation shattered those beliefs, leaving nothing but a hollow ache in my chest.

As I walked, each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts turning darker. What if Drake knew the truth about me? The truth that I had buried deep, even from myself. If he ever discovered my true identity, the real reason I came here, he would kill me without a second thought. There would be no love, no forgiveness—only death.