Chapter 31 Chapter 31 They say love is like a box of chocolates , but whoever said that clearly never bit into one expecting caramel and got toothpaste flavored regret instead . Love isnt sweet ; its misleading , sticky , and occasionally filled with nuts . 89 % Take me , for example . I thought I was unwrapping something decadent , rich , and satisfying . But no I got the emotional equivalent of biting down on a surprise raisin in a cookie . You think youve signed up for warmth and comfort , and instead , youre left questioning all your life choices , your taste buds , and your ability to trust baked goods . But heres the thing about love its funny . Until its not . +63 ) One day youre laughing at inside jokes , at the way their nose scrunches when theyre annoyed , at how they steal the covers . like its an Olympic sport . You think , God , this is it . This is the good stuff . Then suddenly , the laughter echoes in an empty room . The jokes still there , but no ones left to hear it . You catch yourself smiling at a memory that now feels like a paper cut small , sharp , and stinging when you least expect it . Love starts like a punchline . But if you hold onto it long enough , it turns into the punch . The river gurgles beside us , its endless rush filling the empty space between me and Kallias . The same river where we once sat , whispering about the future , about things we were too naïve to understand . Where he gave me my first kiss . Where he told me I was his forever . I stare at him now , and I feel nothing . Not hate . Not sadness . Just exhaustion . Kallias grips my shoulders , his touch too tight , too desperate . Youre not gonna do it , right ? His voice is raw , trembling , as if hes barely holding himself together . I dont answer . Instead , I roll up my sleeve . His breath hitches . Raised , ugly , permanent . A roadmap of every time he chose her over me . Every time he let her rip me apart while he stood back and watched . You remember this one ? My voice is too steady , too calm , as I tap a pale line running down my forearm . The night I was admitted to the hospital for blood loss ? You never visited , by the way . Probably too busy with her but you made sure I was the one who saved Seraphina when she needed a transfusion . Funny , huh ? How my blood was good enough for her , but I never was . His hands tremble against me . Taryn- I keep going . I have to . I lift the hem of my dress , just enough to show the thin , jagged scars littering my thighs . These ? From when Seraphina burned me with a curling iron because she thought I was flirting with you . You never asked. Never noticed . My voice cracks , but I dont stop . And this one ? I trace the faint scratch over my collarbone . The time she clawed me because my necklace was prettier than hers . But you made sure she got a better one , didnt you ? A gemstone for her , while I got a simple pearl . Kallias looks sick . His lips part like he wants to deny it , wants to spin some excuse , but he cant . He remembers . I turn , my hands shaking as I reach for the box I kept hidden for so long . The weight of it in my hands feels unbearable , but I pry open the lid . Dust rises from the past , from things I should have thrown away years ago . 1/4 Chapter 31 The scarf you gave me in 2009 , I murmur , pulling is our The charm bracelets we made . The notebooks we studied from 1 lift the necklace , the tiny prail catching the moonlight . And this . The one thing I held onto , thinking it meant something His breath shudders out of him . Nostalgia flickers in his eyes , a cruel trick of memory . He looks at me like hes drowning . like hes finally realizing what he did . I Ill change . I swear to the Goddess , Il- 1 place the necklace in his open palm . He sucks in a sharp breath , as if the weight of it physically hurts him . No he chokes , his voice breaking, No , you- youre not giving up on me . Then , he drops to his knees . His arms wrap around my waist , holding on like Im the only thing keeping him afloat . Please , he whispers . Dont do this , I lift my hand , brushing his hair back gently , the way I used to . I let him think , for a second , that I might stay . Then I pull the dagger from my belt . His eyes widen , but he doesnt move . Hes too caught up in me , too lost in his regret , to realize whats coming I entwine our hands , pressing our palms together like a prayer . Then , in one swift motion , I drag the blade between them . Blood splatters , warm and vivid in the moonlight . Kallias jerks back with a sharp inhale , staring at the crimson staining both our skin . I tighten my grip , making sure he feels it . Sealing the final wound . I , Taryn Sinclair of the Riverstone Pack , accept Kallias Morrigans rejection to be my mate , chosen by the Goddess Selene . His breath stutters . His hands tremble in mine . His world is falling apart . Kallias looks fucking horrified . The mile dont last longer when the first wave of pain slithers in . I thought breaking the bond would feel like tearing off a Band Aid . A sharp sting , maybe a dull ache , and then blessed relief . I was so fucking wrong . It starts at the base of my spine , a slow crawl of fire that builds and builds until it explodes through my ribs , searing up my throat like Ive swallowed acid . My lungs seize . My stomach twists . My vision swims . I taste blood before I realize Im choking on it . Kallias hisses like hes been slapped , but I barely register it . Because whatever pain hes feeling is nothing compared to this . The bond doesnt just snap it rips . My veins burn like molten silver is being poured through them , my body convulsing under an invisible force that wants to crush me from the inside out . Every cell rebels , screaming , rejecting this reality . And my wolf my poor , battered wolf is howling in agony as something essential inside of us dies . I hit my knees hard , my fingers clawing at my chest , trying to hold myself together , but its useless . I can feel it . The moment it happens . Kallias is no longer mine . The connection we once had , that stupid golden thread tying us together , is gone . Just … gone . 2/4 蚁 包 89 % Chapter 31 A gurgled gasp forces its way from my throat , my body folding in on itself as another wave of pain slams into me . I cant fucking breathe . I cant- Taryn . His voice is closer now . Panicked . Hands grab my shoulders , pulling me up , and suddenly Im cradled in his lap , his scent surrounding me like a cruel joke . Taryn , please , Kallias begs , pressing his forehead against mine . What did you do ? His fingers stroke my face , desperate , disbelieving , his breath coming in short , frantic bursts . I Ill change , he promises , his voice cracking . I swear to you , just just tell me how to fix this . I let out a wet , broken laugh , because of course . Now he wants to fix things . Now that Im bleeding out in his arms , choking on my own fucking insides . I lift a trembling hand to his face , brushing my thumb against his cheek . His blue eyes are blown wide , rimmed with red . terror twisting his features into something unrecognizable . His lips part like hes about to say something else maybe another plea , maybe another lie but I beat him to it . Youre free now . His breath stutters . His grip tightens . But I dont hear what he says next , because the darkness finally swallows me whole . I wake up to voices . Muffled , low , just beyond the edge of my consciousness . My head feels like its been split open , my throat raw and scratchy , my body like dead weight against unfamiliar sheets . The scent of herbs and antiseptic clings to the air , burning my nose . I blink sluggishly . The room is dim , warm , foreign . And then I hear his name . My body locks up . My pulse spikes . I dont even know what the conversation is about yet , but I already know its bad . I keep my eyes shut , forcing my breathing to stay steady as I tune in . … her vitals have stabilized , a mans voice says calm , clinical . Shes lucky to be alive . You know most wolves dont survive a full severance . Yeah , I fucking noticed . Then the doctor hums . And yet … you stayed . Kallias doesnt respond immediately . I picture him shifting uncomfortably , jaw clenched , eyes averted . Shes the one I want , he mutters after a beat , voice rough . Bond or no bond . My wolf , too . The doctor chuckles . Then you wont have to worry much longer . A sick feeling coils in my stomach . Chapter 31 Chapter 31 They say love is like a box of chocolates , but whoever said that clearly never bit into one expecting caramel and got toothpaste flavored regret instead . Love isnt sweet ; its misleading , sticky , and occasionally filled with nuts . 89 % Take me , for example . I thought I was unwrapping something decadent , rich , and satisfying . But no I got the emotional equivalent of biting down on a surprise raisin in a cookie . You think youve signed up for warmth and comfort , and instead , youre left questioning all your life choices , your taste buds , and your ability to trust baked goods . But heres the thing about love its funny . Until its not . +63 ) One day youre laughing at inside jokes , at the way their nose scrunches when theyre annoyed , at how they steal the covers . like its an Olympic sport . You think , God , this is it . This is the good stuff . Then suddenly , the laughter echoes in an empty room . The jokes still there , but no ones left to hear it . You catch yourself smiling at a memory that now feels like a paper cut small , sharp , and stinging when you least expect it . Love starts like a punchline . But if you hold onto it long enough , it turns into the punch . The river gurgles beside us , its endless rush filling the empty space between me and Kallias . The same river where we once sat , whispering about the future , about things we were too naïve to understand . Where he gave me my first kiss . Where he told me I was his forever . I stare at him now , and I feel nothing . Not hate . Not sadness . Just exhaustion . Kallias grips my shoulders , his touch too tight , too desperate . Youre not gonna do it , right ? His voice is raw , trembling , as if hes barely holding himself together . I dont answer . Instead , I roll up my sleeve . His breath hitches . Raised , ugly , permanent . A roadmap of every time he chose her over me . Every time he let her rip me apart while he stood back and watched . You remember this one ? My voice is too steady , too calm , as I tap a pale line running down my forearm . The night I was admitted to the hospital for blood loss ? You never visited , by the way . Probably too busy with her but you made sure I was the one who saved Seraphina when she needed a transfusion . Funny , huh ? How my blood was good enough for her , but I never was . His hands tremble against me . Taryn- I keep going . I have to . I lift the hem of my dress , just enough to show the thin , jagged scars littering my thighs . These ? From when Seraphina burned me with a curling iron because she thought I was flirting with you . You never asked. Never noticed . My voice cracks , but I dont stop . And this one ? I trace the faint scratch over my collarbone . The time she clawed me because my necklace was prettier than hers . But you made sure she got a better one , didnt you ? A gemstone for her , while I got a simple pearl . Kallias looks sick . His lips part like he wants to deny it , wants to spin some excuse , but he cant . He remembers . I turn , my hands shaking as I reach for the box I kept hidden for so long . The weight of it in my hands feels unbearable , but I pry open the lid . Dust rises from the past , from things I should have thrown away years ago . 1/4 Chapter 31 The scarf you gave me in 2009 , I murmur , pulling is our The charm bracelets we made . The notebooks we studied from 1 lift the necklace , the tiny prail catching the moonlight . And this . The one thing I held onto , thinking it meant something His breath shudders out of him . Nostalgia flickers in his eyes , a cruel trick of memory . He looks at me like hes drowning . like hes finally realizing what he did . I Ill change . I swear to the Goddess , Il- 1 place the necklace in his open palm . He sucks in a sharp breath , as if the weight of it physically hurts him . No he chokes , his voice breaking, No , you- youre not giving up on me . Then , he drops to his knees . His arms wrap around my waist , holding on like Im the only thing keeping him afloat . Please , he whispers . Dont do this , I lift my hand , brushing his hair back gently , the way I used to . I let him think , for a second , that I might stay . Then I pull the dagger from my belt . His eyes widen , but he doesnt move . Hes too caught up in me , too lost in his regret , to realize whats coming I entwine our hands , pressing our palms together like a prayer . Then , in one swift motion , I drag the blade between them . Blood splatters , warm and vivid in the moonlight . Kallias jerks back with a sharp inhale , staring at the crimson staining both our skin . I tighten my grip , making sure he feels it . Sealing the final wound . I , Taryn Sinclair of the Riverstone Pack , accept Kallias Morrigans rejection to be my mate , chosen by the Goddess Selene . His breath stutters . His hands tremble in mine . His world is falling apart . Kallias looks fucking horrified . The mile dont last longer when the first wave of pain slithers in . I thought breaking the bond would feel like tearing off a Band Aid . A sharp sting , maybe a dull ache , and then blessed relief . I was so fucking wrong . It starts at the base of my spine , a slow crawl of fire that builds and builds until it explodes through my ribs , searing up my throat like Ive swallowed acid . My lungs seize . My stomach twists . My vision swims . I taste blood before I realize Im choking on it . Kallias hisses like hes been slapped , but I barely register it . Because whatever pain hes feeling is nothing compared to this . The bond doesnt just snap it rips . My veins burn like molten silver is being poured through them , my body convulsing under an invisible force that wants to crush me from the inside out . Every cell rebels , screaming , rejecting this reality . And my wolf my poor , battered wolf is howling in agony as something essential inside of us dies . I hit my knees hard , my fingers clawing at my chest , trying to hold myself together , but its useless . I can feel it . The moment it happens . Kallias is no longer mine . The connection we once had , that stupid golden thread tying us together , is gone . Just … gone . 2/4 蚁 包 89 % Chapter 31 A gurgled gasp forces its way from my throat , my body folding in on itself as another wave of pain slams into me . I cant fucking breathe . I cant- Taryn . His voice is closer now . Panicked . Hands grab my shoulders , pulling me up , and suddenly Im cradled in his lap , his scent surrounding me like a cruel joke . Taryn , please , Kallias begs , pressing his forehead against mine . What did you do ? His fingers stroke my face , desperate , disbelieving , his breath coming in short , frantic bursts . I Ill change , he promises , his voice cracking . I swear to you , just just tell me how to fix this . I let out a wet , broken laugh , because of course . Now he wants to fix things . Now that Im bleeding out in his arms , choking on my own fucking insides . I lift a trembling hand to his face , brushing my thumb against his cheek . His blue eyes are blown wide , rimmed with red . terror twisting his features into something unrecognizable . His lips part like hes about to say something else maybe another plea , maybe another lie but I beat him to it . Youre free now . His breath stutters . His grip tightens . But I dont hear what he says next , because the darkness finally swallows me whole . I wake up to voices . Muffled , low , just beyond the edge of my consciousness . My head feels like its been split open , my throat raw and scratchy , my body like dead weight against unfamiliar sheets . The scent of herbs and antiseptic clings to the air , burning my nose . I blink sluggishly . The room is dim , warm , foreign . And then I hear his name . My body locks up . My pulse spikes . I dont even know what the conversation is about yet , but I already know its bad . I keep my eyes shut , forcing my breathing to stay steady as I tune in . … her vitals have stabilized , a mans voice says calm , clinical . Shes lucky to be alive . You know most wolves dont survive a full severance . Yeah , I fucking noticed . Then the doctor hums . And yet … you stayed . Kallias doesnt respond immediately . I picture him shifting uncomfortably , jaw clenched , eyes averted . Shes the one I want , he mutters after a beat , voice rough . Bond or no bond . My wolf , too . The doctor chuckles . Then you wont have to worry much longer . A sick feeling coils in my stomach . The doctors voice lowers , but I still catch it . Chapter 31 Chapter 31 They say love is like a box of chocolates , but whoever said that clearly never bit into one expecting caramel and got toothpaste flavored regret instead . Love isnt sweet ; its misleading , sticky , and occasionally filled with nuts . 89 % Take me , for example . I thought I was unwrapping something decadent , rich , and satisfying . But no I got the emotional equivalent of biting down on a surprise raisin in a cookie . You think youve signed up for warmth and comfort , and instead , youre left questioning all your life choices , your taste buds , and your ability to trust baked goods . But heres the thing about love its funny . Until its not . +63 ) One day youre laughing at inside jokes , at the way their nose scrunches when theyre annoyed , at how they steal the covers . like its an Olympic sport . You think , God , this is it . This is the good stuff . Then suddenly , the laughter echoes in an empty room . The jokes still there , but no ones left to hear it . You catch yourself smiling at a memory that now feels like a paper cut small , sharp , and stinging when you least expect it . Love starts like a punchline . But if you hold onto it long enough , it turns into the punch . The river gurgles beside us , its endless rush filling the empty space between me and Kallias . The same river where we once sat , whispering about the future , about things we were too naïve to understand . Where he gave me my first kiss . Where he told me I was his forever . I stare at him now , and I feel nothing . Not hate . Not sadness . Just exhaustion . Kallias grips my shoulders , his touch too tight , too desperate . Youre not gonna do it , right ? His voice is raw , trembling , as if hes barely holding himself together . I dont answer . Instead , I roll up my sleeve . His breath hitches . Raised , ugly , permanent . A roadmap of every time he chose her over me . Every time he let her rip me apart while he stood back and watched . You remember this one ? My voice is too steady , too calm , as I tap a pale line running down my forearm . The night I was admitted to the hospital for blood loss ? You never visited , by the way . Probably too busy with her but you made sure I was the one who saved Seraphina when she needed a transfusion . Funny , huh ? How my blood was good enough for her , but I never was . His hands tremble against me . Taryn- I keep going . I have to . I lift the hem of my dress , just enough to show the thin , jagged scars littering my thighs . These ? From when Seraphina burned me with a curling iron because she thought I was flirting with you . You never asked. Never noticed . My voice cracks , but I dont stop . And this one ? I trace the faint scratch over my collarbone . The time she clawed me because my necklace was prettier than hers . But you made sure she got a better one , didnt you ? A gemstone for her , while I got a simple pearl . Kallias looks sick . His lips part like he wants to deny it , wants to spin some excuse , but he cant . He remembers . I turn , my hands shaking as I reach for the box I kept hidden for so long . The weight of it in my hands feels unbearable , but I pry open the lid . Dust rises from the past , from things I should have thrown away years ago . 1/4 Chapter 31 The scarf you gave me in 2009 , I murmur , pulling is our The charm bracelets we made . The notebooks we studied from 1 lift the necklace , the tiny prail catching the moonlight . And this . The one thing I held onto , thinking it meant something His breath shudders out of him . Nostalgia flickers in his eyes , a cruel trick of memory . He looks at me like hes drowning . like hes finally realizing what he did . I Ill change . I swear to the Goddess , Il- 1 place the necklace in his open palm . He sucks in a sharp breath , as if the weight of it physically hurts him . No he chokes , his voice breaking, No , you- youre not giving up on me . Then , he drops to his knees . His arms wrap around my waist , holding on like Im the only thing keeping him afloat . Please , he whispers . Dont do this , I lift my hand , brushing his hair back gently , the way I used to . I let him think , for a second , that I might stay . Then I pull the dagger from my belt . His eyes widen , but he doesnt move . Hes too caught up in me , too lost in his regret , to realize whats coming I entwine our hands , pressing our palms together like a prayer . Then , in one swift motion , I drag the blade between them . Blood splatters , warm and vivid in the moonlight . Kallias jerks back with a sharp inhale , staring at the crimson staining both our skin . I tighten my grip , making sure he feels it . Sealing the final wound . I , Taryn Sinclair of the Riverstone Pack , accept Kallias Morrigans rejection to be my mate , chosen by the Goddess Selene . His breath stutters . His hands tremble in mine . His world is falling apart . Kallias looks fucking horrified . The mile dont last longer when the first wave of pain slithers in . I thought breaking the bond would feel like tearing off a Band Aid . A sharp sting , maybe a dull ache , and then blessed relief . I was so fucking wrong . It starts at the base of my spine , a slow crawl of fire that builds and builds until it explodes through my ribs , searing up my throat like Ive swallowed acid . My lungs seize . My stomach twists . My vision swims . I taste blood before I realize Im choking on it . Kallias hisses like hes been slapped , but I barely register it . Because whatever pain hes feeling is nothing compared to this . The bond doesnt just snap it rips . My veins burn like molten silver is being poured through them , my body convulsing under an invisible force that wants to crush me from the inside out . Every cell rebels , screaming , rejecting this reality . And my wolf my poor , battered wolf is howling in agony as something essential inside of us dies . I hit my knees hard , my fingers clawing at my chest , trying to hold myself together , but its useless . I can feel it . The moment it happens . Kallias is no longer mine . The connection we once had , that stupid golden thread tying us together , is gone . Just … gone . 2/4 蚁 包 89 % Chapter 31 A gurgled gasp forces its way from my throat , my body folding in on itself as another wave of pain slams into me . I cant fucking breathe . I cant- Taryn . His voice is closer now . Panicked . Hands grab my shoulders , pulling me up , and suddenly Im cradled in his lap , his scent surrounding me like a cruel joke . Taryn , please , Kallias begs , pressing his forehead against mine . What did you do ? His fingers stroke my face , desperate , disbelieving , his breath coming in short , frantic bursts . I Ill change , he promises , his voice cracking . I swear to you , just just tell me how to fix this . I let out a wet , broken laugh , because of course . Now he wants to fix things . Now that Im bleeding out in his arms , choking on my own fucking insides . I lift a trembling hand to his face , brushing my thumb against his cheek . His blue eyes are blown wide , rimmed with red . terror twisting his features into something unrecognizable . His lips part like hes about to say something else maybe another plea , maybe another lie but I beat him to it . Youre free now . His breath stutters . His grip tightens . But I dont hear what he says next , because the darkness finally swallows me whole . I wake up to voices . Muffled , low , just beyond the edge of my consciousness . My head feels like its been split open , my throat raw and scratchy , my body like dead weight against unfamiliar sheets . The scent of herbs and antiseptic clings to the air , burning my nose . I blink sluggishly . The room is dim , warm , foreign . And then I hear his name . My body locks up . My pulse spikes . I dont even know what the conversation is about yet , but I already know its bad . I keep my eyes shut , forcing my breathing to stay steady as I tune in . … her vitals have stabilized , a mans voice says calm , clinical . Shes lucky to be alive . You know most wolves dont survive a full severance . Yeah , I fucking noticed . Then the doctor hums . And yet … you stayed . Kallias doesnt respond immediately . I picture him shifting uncomfortably , jaw clenched , eyes averted . Shes the one I want , he mutters after a beat , voice rough . Bond or no bond . My wolf , too . The doctor chuckles . Then you wont have to worry much longer . A sick feeling coils in my stomach . The doctors voice lowers , but I still catch it . 3/4 10:13 Thu , 20 Mar A M Chapter 31 The Alphas making sure of it . That man Enoch wont be a problem soon . The world snaps into focus all at once . My eyes fly open . 3/4 10:13 Thu , 20 Mar A M Chapter 31 The Alphas making sure of it . That man Enoch wont be a problem soon . The world snaps into focus all at once . My eyes fly open . The doctors voice lowers , but I still catch it . 3/4 10:13 Thu , 20 Mar A M Chapter 31 The Alphas making sure of it . That man Enoch wont be a problem soon . The world snaps into focus all at once . My eyes fly open . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!