Chapter 10

The weight of Kaden's mark was still fresh on Althea's neck as she sat curled up in the corner of her small room. Her hand trembled as it hovered over the spot, the faint ache pulsing in rhythm with her racing heart. The bond between her and Kaden, a quiet but persistent hum that she couldn’t ignore, no matter how hard she tried. It had been hours since the grand hall, but the memory of every whisper, every cruel stare, lingered like a dark cloud over her. “They hate me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. “They’ll always hate me.” Her chest tightened as she pulled her knees closer to her chest. How could Kaden not see it? How could he believe she could ever be enough for him,for the pack? A knock at the door startled her out of her thoughts. She sat up straighter, her pulse quickening. Before she could say anything, the door opened, and Kaden stepped inside. His presence filled the tiny space instantly, his silver eyes locking onto hers. He closed th