WINTER

His second.

The words toll through my mind like a cursed bell.

Freya and Lilith’s smiles stretch even wider, malice crescents carved across their faces. The delight sparking in their eyes only burns hotter and brighter because they know that this time, there’s no answer I can give. No denial is strong enough to undo the truth.

Because whatever I say, the facts remain. I’m not Valtor’s only mate.

I wasn’t even his first. I’m the second. The afterthought. ...