The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: My Mate

Selene’s POV ~

I followed him in silence, each step feeling heavier than the last.

The echo of our footsteps filled the corridor, the sound too loud in the hush that had settled after the madness of the hall. The laughter, the leering eyes, and Fenrik’s smug satisfaction were behind me now.

Aeron didn’t speak.

He walked like a shadow stretched too long, as if the silence bowed for him. And I—gods, I hated myself for how my legs moved, how I followed, like I didn’t have a choice. Like the cursed bond was already dragging me forward by the throat.

But I wasn’t helpless. I have not lost my mind completely to the mate bond.

My eyes darted to the side, searching for any path of escape. I’d escaped worse places. Fled more ruthless men. I could do it again.

I just needed the right moment.

I slowed my steps, just a little, measuring the distance, waiting for a turn...anywhere I could vanish into shadow.

And then...

"Don’t."

His voice sliced through the quietness between us. I stopped breathing for a second.

He didn’t turn and didn’t even raise his voice. Just that one word, dropped into the air like a guillotine. And somehow, it was enough.

"I told you," he said, voice like frost brushing bare skin, "running is futile."

I stood still, my pulse roaring in my ears. How does he know what’s going on in my mind when he hasn’t even looked back once? Does he have eyes in the back of his head?

And worst of all, his voice was enough for my heart to pour with delight.

My hands curled into fists as I forced my legs to move again. I hated this. Hated how my years of discipline meant nothing right now. Not against him or this cursed bond.

We finally stopped at a tall door made of obsidian, carved with ancient runes I couldn’t decipher, but it looked important.

Aeron pressed his palm against it, and the door was pushed open.

looking at me, but I

"In."

Just for a moment. Then I

in temperature, but in atmosphere. Empty and quiet.

feel free. It

were tall, windows covered in thick, dark drapes that swallowed the light. Everything about the space was wrong. It was too calm. Like it was waiting for something

raced. Why bring me here? What is this

behind me with

the far side of the room and stood near the window, arms folded

the door with a pounding heart. Every part of me

silence

with me? Did he know who I was? Had he seen

did he bring me here?

silence had stretched too

chest until it felt like my own heartbeat

steady. "Why

hadn’t just been handed over like some cursed offering. Like I wasn’t standing in front

every muscle in my body was braced to either run or attack. My hands were relaxed at

answer

He shrugged off his black coat, tossed it

mine, and the weight of it

he said, in that deep, unshakable voice that made my spine stiffen, "You’re more than used

stop it. Useful?

me. Is he going to

witches, draining them like vessels until there was nothing left but bones and

very idea made my stomach turn. A wave of disgust washed over me, so sudden

didn’t change. But

knew what

voice

a clear, almost cold certainty. He wasn’t trying to convince me. He was

A pause that made my skin prickle

have an offer

my face tensed. Offers from Alphas were rarely offers at

he said. "And I will give