Chapter 119

SAGE

I slipped out of Titus's room just before the first light of dawn broke across the sky. The quiet of the morning felt almost deliberate, like the world was holding its breath to help me leave unnoticed. Titus was still fast asleep, his face relaxed in a way I rarely saw. The arms that had held me so tightly through the night now lay loose, giving me the chance to carefully slip free without waking him.

The memories of the night before played over and over in my head-every touch, every whispered word, every moment of raw connection burned into my mind. I couldn't deny how much I'd wanted him, how much I'd enjoyed being with him. But the idea of carrying that intense connection into the daylight felt overwhelming, even impossible. Nights like that seemed to exist in their own bubble, separate from everything else.

I paused in the doorway and glanced back at him. He looked so peaceful, his bare chest rising and falling with each calm breath. I could still feel the faint hum of the bond between us, like a spark that refused to go out. For a moment, I hesitated, my heart pulling me back toward him. Part of me wanted to climb back into bed, to believe that things could somehow stay simple, stay easy. But I knew better. Deep down, I always did.

Carefully shutting the door behind me, I stepped into the chilly hallway. The air out here felt heavier, like the weight of everything was finally settling on me. Wrapping my arms around myself, I padded quietly down to my room, my bare feet cold against the floor. My mind was a whirlwind, caught between the excitement of the night and the uncertainty of what

came next.

The thought of seeing him in the daylight, when the passion of the night had faded and the hard questions would surface, made my chest tighten. I wasn't ready for that conversation. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

I slipped into my room as quietly as I had left Titus's, closing the door behind me with a soft click. Leaning against it for a moment, I let out a shaky breath, my heart still racing-not from sneaking away, but from everything that had happened.

Crossing the room, I grabbed fresh clothes from the wardrobe and headed straight for the bathroom. The sight of my reflection in the mirror stopped me in my tracks. My cheeks were flushed, my hair was a tangled mess, and there were faint/ marks on my neck and collarbone-evidence of Titus's possessive touch. I pressed my fingers to one of the marks, a rush of warmth spreading through me at the memory.

"Pull yourself together," I muttered to my reflection before turning away and stepping into the shower.

The hot water cascaded over me, washing away the remnants of the night, but it couldn't touch the lingering ache in my chest. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, letting the warmth soothe my tense muscles.

Finishing up, I stepped out of the shower and dried off, pulling on fresh clothes in an attempt to feel normal again. My mind, however, was far from calm. I braided my damp hair to keep my hands busy, hoping it would quiet the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm

me.

The light outside my window grew brighter as the morning took hold. I knew I couldn't avoid the questions forever-Titus would wake up eventually, and when he did, I'm not sure if he would be looking for me.

was outside could hear it I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, and walked to the door. As I turned the handle and pulled it open, my chest tightened

curiosity. The tight coil of anticipation in my chest unraveled into disappointment, a quiet sigh slipping past my lips before

I'm not who you're expecting?" Elara said softly

expecting anyone, Elara," I quickly

she obviously believed none of it. "Did

I were honest. The restless energy buzzing under my

seemed to do when she

energy for whatever conversation this was leading to. She entered gracefully, her sharp gaze

work on him," I said, forcing a small smile as

me. Clearly, she wasn't

my body stiffening before I quickly turned away. I busied myself by pretending to smooth out the already neat corner of my bed, avoiding her eyes. "Nothing happened, of course. Why would you ask that?" My words came out

carried an unmistakable edge. "Nothing in particular. Fwas just

voice louder than I intended. Panic

the reaction? You said nothing happened, right? So I assumed everything turned out fine. You were probably long gone from the alpha's room before the aphrodisiac had a chance to take effect." I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "Y-Yeah," I stammered, my voice unconvincing even to my own ears. "I left immediately after applying the ointment. Came straight back to my

might have finally had the chance to use

down on me. "About that..." I started, taking a deep, shaky breath. "I decided I'm not going to use it. It's not my

quickly, "but using that potion would feel wrong. It's not up to me to manipulate his feelings or his memories, even if my intentions are

the room to stand beside me. "You have a point," she admitted, her voice thoughtful. "But are you sure

nodded slowly, her words offering a

me for a moment before smiling softly. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for,

my shoulders

Alpha Arthur expects us to join him for breakfast," Elara said with a small smile. "Scott will inform

I asked, tilting my head as worry flickered in the

of uncertainty in her tone. "But I'm hoping it's good news. I mean, he's inviting us for breakfast, not throwing us out of the pack house, right?" She tried to sound optimistic, though her words didn't entirely ease the tension in my chest. "Well, I'm ready," I said, smoothing out my

now," Elara replied, leading

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