Ivy POV The night was long and stretched out for what felt like forever. It was grueling, and the pain was unbearable. However, I never shifted, just wallowed in despair at the rejection of my mate. My bones ached, and my chest constricted.

By morning, I had woken in the nest I had built. It became obvious I wouldn’t be shifting, I should have already. Gannon tried to tell me I was fretting for my mate, but it made no sense to me. I had just seen him the day before, if only briefly. But it was enough for him to rip my heart out. I would have preferred if he had because that was one of the worst nights I had endured. More so than when he was gone because I knew he was here, just out of my reach.

Abbie sat with me on the wharf that allowed you to walk out across the lake. She had brought me over here to have breakfast, though I had no appetite and couldn’t bring myself to eat. Although we enjoyed the morning sun, enjoyed the rays heating my cold skin, I felt cold all over deep into my bones. It was like I had never known warmth and wouldn’t again. The ache was horrible. Abbie tried to cheer me up. She told me of everything that happened in the castle last night. Though it mainly fell on deaf ears.

Apparently, she heard the word from one of the guards that more children were found in river beds in neighboring towns. She also said all night the castle was on edge and that the King had been insufferable. He even attacked two of the night guards. I stared longingly at the castle, knowing he was there. So close yet so far. Pulling my gaze from it, Abbie moved closer to the edge of the wharf, and I gripped her arm. “Abbie!” I hissed as she tossed her legs over the side and into the water.

“Gannon is right there,” she pointed him out, and I let her go with a sigh. I knew he wouldn’t let her d***n, yet fear still bubbled in me. Abbie dangled her feet over the edge. But I wasn’t daring enough. I couldn’t even see the bottom of the still lake. Watching her so close to the edge made my nauseous stomach worse. If she fell in, I would be of no use to her and would d***n myself trying to save her. Abbie was right, and I knew I was being foolish. Gannon wouldn’t let her d***n if she fell in. He would come to her aid if needed.

“I have to head back soon. I have to go into town with Clarice to grab some supplies,” Abbie told me. My eyes blurred with more tears at hearing she would have to leave me, but I nodded sadly, knowing it couldn’t be helped. I was surprised he let her come to see me. I would have to go back to my p****n, stuck in the stables where he placed me.

when I heard screaming from the castle’s direction. My

at her from where I sat,

before her head turned to Ester, still thrashing as they led her toward the front

upset you, but nothing happened. The King woke up before she could do anything,” Abbie told me as she looked down at

asked, suddenly feeling sick. Especially knowing she had been with Kyson in the past, though Clarice said he looked for a replacement. One thing I thought about last night was if she would be back

words. Bile burned my throat, and my heart sank. A whimper

banished her from the castle, so I guess

it. Breathe, Ivy. He didn’t betray you,” Abbie whispered as I tried to stop my panic a****k. She wiped my tears, and I felt so

sleep with her?” I asked,

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