Chapter 48

The pain in my chest only strengthens, to the point that I kneel under the force of the immense sadness. Loss. Rage. It churns and twists my heart like butter.

"Avianna didn't tell me..."

"Why is she sending you? She wouldn't have left that out unless you didn't have a choice."

Though I'm crippled by his pain, I remember what Avianna told me-and what Hendrick reminded me weeks ago. No one can know what I am. "Because she's not sending me to The Order...not if I don't want to..."

"But then why..." He regards me carefully, "Alora, don't lie to me."

Even Hekate has now emphasized the importance of me not telling anyone. Not until the time is right. I need to know more before anything.

I'm also becoming increasingly aware that there's something more between Hendrick and Ashenia than just an old relationship. They have a history that seems to not be entirely in the past. Despite everything, he refuses to push her away. She isn't his mate, but he feels connected to her. That has to say