Her lips were soft.

Too soft.

And her body was warm, full, yielding under his hands. It made it impossible to think clearly.

Thorne gripped her face, kissing her like he was trying to claim something he had no right to. It was rough, desperate, and more importantly, a mistake.

He wanted more. No. He needed more. But the second his eyes flew open, reality hit him like ice water.

What the hell was he doing?

He pulled back sharply, chest heaving like he'd run a marathon. Her eyes fluttered open, dazed and searching. He saw the hope flicker in her orbs, and that made it worse.

He stepped back, bile rising in his throat. What had he done?

"Alpha—" she whispered, stepping closer, but he pulled back.

"Don't," he muttered, finger raised to stop her from coming nearer. Hurt flashed in her eyes… perhaps it was from the way he stared at her.

He couldn't care, though. Didn't care. Not when he kept breaking the promise he made. Each scared word he uttered all broken in a single breath.

He shook his head, looking at her again with disgust, and she flinched hard like she'd been hit.

He couldn't stand to look at her any longer, so he turned away, not missing the way her shoulders trembled. No. Not when he knew if he stayed a second longer, he'd do something much worse. Something he would never forgive himself for.

Thorne sat behind his desk, eyes on the files in front of him but mind… far elsewhere.

That kiss.

Her lips.

The sound she made when he pulled away.

The way she looked at him.

He clenched his jaw and shoved the memory aside. He was doing nothing more than tainting Roseanne's memory.

Caelum stood across from him, arms folded. "So we need a handler for the new recruits in the eastern barracks. I'd say Elara's still the best option."

Thorne's eyes snapped up. "No. Not Elara."

Caelum paused. Naturally, Elara would've been the go-to person for something like this, seeing as she's the general. "Why not Elara? She's equipped enough for it."

"Because I said so. Have Mason do it instead." Thorne snapped.

Caelum didn't argue, just nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll do that." He then passed Thorne a paper. "The council members will be arriving in Obsidian by next week, and they've sent a message ahead of their arrival."

Thorne glanced at him, jaw clenched. "They are?"

Caelum nodded. "Yes, and I'm afraid you won't be able to talk them out of it this time."

Thorne stood up, walking over to the window. He ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't need this shit right now, not with this turmoil in his head.

"It's been ten years since they last brought it up. I'm afraid you've used up all of your chances… what message should I send to them?" Caelum asked.

Thorne sighed internally. He's used up all of his chances? Never! There's always a way. Always. He turned to Caelum. "They're welcome in Obsidian," he replied, and the beta nodded curtly.

"Lastly, you have yet to welcome Lord Levi into the kingdom."

Thorne frowned. "He has, hasn't he? Bring him in," he replied.

Caelum turned to leave but was stopped once again. He turned to the king, waiting.

"Call Adina here."

Caelum was taken aback, brows raised. "Are you sure about that? You said—" he was cut off sharply.

"I know what I said. I don't need you reminding me," he snapped. "I have questions to ask her, especially since she was in the library last night, snooping, digging into information about the curse, about the beast."

He left out the part where he'd kissed her.

Where he'd practically devoured her.

Caelum blinked, stunned. "She was?" he murmured. "You think it's a problem? It's natural she searches for answers. I assume she's confused, and you haven't been welcoming towards her, so—"

"Caelum!" Thorne gave him a blank stare, and the beta shut up.

"Right," he muttered. "I'll get her."

Adina stood just outside the door to the King's office, her hands clenched tightly in front of her as if that would calm her trembling. Her heart was thudding harshly against her chest.

She didn't know why she'd been summoned.

Well, she had guesses—none of them good.

She wondered if this was it now? Was he finally going to reject her? The thought had her wolf wincing in pain, and even as much as it would hurt, she'd survive it.

After all, she survived Cassandra sleeping with Roman, she also survived Roman's brutal rejection and survived the loss of her pup. She can survive this one too.

The memory of that kiss flashed through her mind, and her chest ached. Not because of how it ended, but because, for a split second, it had felt real. She had felt wanted.

Something she hadn't felt in years.

She shuddered internally, remembering the way he had stared at her. He'd looked at her like she was filth. Like he was disgusted.

Adina exhaled, 'If this is the last stroke. If this is him rejecting her. She'll accept it.

The door creaked open. Caelum gave her a curt nod.

"He's waiting."

Adina stepped in quietly, keeping her head down. The tension in the room was immediate, suffocating even. She could feel Thorne's gaze on her, intense and deep like he was staring into her soul.

He didn't speak, and she didn't look up. No. She just wanted the whole thing to be over, and then she would retreat into the farthest corner of the world.

"Look up," Thorne finally said.

Adina looked up, locking eyes with him. For a split second, she could see it. Regret? Guilt? She wasn't sure.

But whatever it was, it vanished in an instant, replaced by that same cold indifference he always wore.

"At the library yesterday…" he began, and her heart seized.

"The books you were reading. What did you find?"

Adina blinked twice, stunned. Of all the things she was expecting, it certainly wasn't this.

She must've taken a while to respond as Thorne cocked his brow, clearly waiting for her.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the door jerked open. Elara stepped in mid-talk with a man. Adina's eyes widened slightly as she remembered the man.

It was the same one who had interrupted her when she found the stone. She immediately looked down, hoping the man wouldn't recognize her. Well, he shouldn't, considering she's one of the many slaves in the kingdom.

The man stopped in his tracks, behind him was Elara, her gaze shifting between Adina and Thorne. She forced a smile to her lips. "Apologies, Alpha, I didn't think you'd be busy right now."

Thorne hummed, Adina temporarily forgotten as his gaze shifted to Levi. "Levi, It's good to have you in Obsidian. I have been too busy and haven't had the opportunity to welcome you. I trust Caelum and Elara have been good hosts."

Levi grinned. "Thank you, your majesty. Caelum and Elara have been extremely helpful," he said, his gaze shifting to Adina, his brows furrowed slightly.

Thorne's smile tightened as he watched this. Recognition flashed in Levi's eyes, and he grinned wider now. "Oh, it's you from the farm. Adina, right?"

Adina froze.

Every muscle in her body turned to stone as Levi said her name. Why in the goddess's name did she have to be singled out?

Thorne's entire body went still. He didn't even blink, he just stared at Levi, his gaze sharpening. "What farm?"

Levi tilted his head slightly, still looking at Adina like she was an interesting puzzle. "Oh, a few days back. I passed through one of the farms at the southern ridge and saw her."

"She's just one of the many slaves here. It's not surprising you ran into her," Elara voiced out. "I think we best get to business, right Alpha?"

Thorne hummed, glancing at Adina. "Leave," he ordered, and she nodded curtly, about to leave when Levi held her arm back, giving her a slow, lingering once-over. "Still… it's good to see you again, Adina."