#Chapter 141: A Mate’s Bond Never Breaks

Agnes I sat slumped against the alley wall, rain soaking through what was left of my gown. My chest ached from sobbing, my bare feet numb against the wet pavement. The emerald fabric hung in tatters around me, the vines I’d stitched so carefully now shredded beyond recognition. But most of all, beyond the ruined dress, humiliation burned through me like a wildfire—especially now that Mason, of all people, was striding up to me. I instinctively turned my head away, as if that could somehow blot out his existence. I couldn’t face anyone—not after the fight, not after Olivia’s cruel words, not after Elijah’s disappointment. Mason stopped in front of me, his shadow blocking the light. “Get in,” he said, holding out a hand. “You’ll freeze out here.” I hesitated, but I wasn’t exactly in a state to argue and I knew Mason well enough to know that he wasn’t going to just leave me here. With a sigh, I took his hand, and he pulled me up, steadying me as I stumbled.