"You are my mate. The only woman I will ever want. The only woman I will ever claim."
Rhys's words hung in the air between us, heavy with promise and threat. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think clearly with him so close.
"I made terrible mistakes," he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I know that. But I'm asking you—no, I'm begging you—to give me a chance to prove myself worthy of you again."
I shook my head, trying to clear it. "You don't understand. It's too late."
"It's never too late," Rhys insisted. His thumb traced my lower lip, sending unwelcome shivers down my spine. "I'll wait for you, Elara. However long it takes. I don't care about your history with Valerius or anyone else. I just want a place in your future."
The sincerity in his eyes nearly broke my resolve. For a terrifying moment, I wanted to believe him. But then the memories crashed back—his cruel rejection, the public humiliation, the searing pain as our bond tore apart.
