Chapter 338

Aurelia’s POV The air was alive with tension, hot and sharp as a blade pressed to the skin. Every eye—Draven’s, my father’s, the gathered warriors—was fixed on me. The words I’d just spoken still hung in the air like thunder that refused to fade. “You don’t get it, do you?” I said, my voice steady even though my hands were trembling. “You think Derek saved me for his personal gain, but let me tell you something—he’s not doing this for power or territory.” I took a step closer, the ground beneath my feet thrumming with something that wasn’t just courage—it was my wolf, standing with me. “He’s my true mate.” The words cracked like lightning through the clearing. Gasps echoed from both sides. Derek’s eyes widened, but he didn’t move, didn’t speak. He knew what my declaration meant. My father froze where he stood, color draining from his face. “What—what nonsense are you spouting?” he snarled, but his voice faltered. And Draven… Draven’s expression turned from disbelief to fury. His jaw cl