Ember's POV
My heart felt like it was about to burst from my chest.
Everything was crashing down at once—war, survival, a miracle—a second mate bond—and now, fear all over again.
Lyra growled inside me.
"Run."
Because the woman standing before us was a true warrior.
But wait…
She didn't look angry. There was something else on her face—pain, mixed with an odd sense of relief.
My wolf whimpered, mate.
The woman's expression twisted, as if she were the one in pain this time.
"You're awake," she said.
Her voice was strong—just like her.
Both of them—Nora and Felix—moved closer.
Could they hear my heartbeat?
Before the thought could consume me, movement in the distance drew their attention.
I took a deep breath.
I'm not ready for this.
The disturbance came from the rear guards. They approached Nora and Felix, covered in blood and sweat. One of them shifted into human form—nudity clearly not a concern—and delivered his report.
"Boris's pack suffered heavy losses as well. They chose to retreat instead of attacking again. The rear guards followed them to the border."
As they discussed the tactical withdrawal, I felt my mate's eyes on me.
I tried to resist—but failed.
My thoughts and my gaze kept drifting back to him.
For a moment, I considered rejecting the bond and running.
Boris had retreated. He wouldn't chase a fledgling.
"I don't want more trouble," I whispered.
Lyra growled.
"No. This is our last chance."
"But she saved us," I argued.
"Bond or not… we can't desire another woman's mate."
Then a voice echoed in my mind.
"I'm bonded to Nora."
I froze.
He was still speaking with officers about the retreat—but he could speak to me as well.
Because of the bond, I must have already been accepted into his pack.
"H–how?" I stammered mentally.
"If you're bonded to her, how is this possible with me? This only happens in legends."
His voice came again.
"I don't know. But I will find out. Until then, tell no one. Don't come near me. Your scent, your voice, your heartbeat… everything about you is driving me insane."
Then he closed his mind.
Çevir
"Is he insane?" Lyra growled.
"What does that even mean?"
"I don't know," I answered calmly.
"I can barely process being bonded to two… let alone what surprises the Moon Goddess still has in store for us."