Chapter 31

Kaelen’s POV

Standing outside Valeria’s door, listening to her muffled sobs, a weight settled heavily in my chest. I’d wanted to hurt her, but hearing her cry because of me—knowing I was the one inflicting this pain—brought no satisfaction. Against my better judgment, I stayed, drawn by the pull of the mate bond and by something else, something I didn’t want to name.

Through the door, her soft, br