~Kaida Orion POV~
Her words cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I thought of Lupus, of his arms around me, his desperate voice begging me not to let go. Fourteen years of battles, scars, warmth, and yet…
The shard pulsed harder, feeding the doubt.
Kaelith's smile was patient. "You're tired of being defined by him. His bride, his anchor, his possession. Even his jealousy proves it—he sees you as something to hold, not something to free."
"That's not true!" My voice cracked, sharp with pain. "Lupus has fought for me, bled for me, loved me more fiercely than anyone ever could."
"Loved you," Kaelith repeated softly, her tone almost pitying. "Or loved the part of you that bows to his hold? Tell me, Kaida.... has he ever asked what you want? Or has he only told you what he cannot survive without?"
