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“That’s enough, Aria.”

We both turn to see Erik striding toward us, his expression thunderous. Aria takes a step back, composing her features into a mask of innocence.

“Erik! I was just—”

“I heard exactly what you were ‘just’ doing,” he cuts her off, voice cold. “And I suggest you stop. Now.”

She glances between us, lips pressed into a thin line. Then, with a stiff nod, she turns and walks away, her back ramrod straight.

Erik watches her go before turning to me. “Are you alright?”

I nod, though my hands are trembling slightly. “Fine. Just...surprised.”

His expression softens. “Don’t let her get to you. The noble families are very traditional. They don’t like change.”

“And I’m definitely a change,” I mutter.

“A good one,” Erik says firmly. “I haven’t seen my brother this alive in...well, ever, actually.” He smiles at me. “I’m glad he finally told you the truth.”

I frown. “The truth about what?”

Erik’s smile falters. “About...you know. The bond.”

“What bond?”

His eyes widen fractionally, and I see the moment he realizes his mistake. “Oh. I thought—After last night—He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what, Erik?” I demand, a knot forming in my stomach.

He runs a hand through his hair, looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable. “It’s not really my place to—”

“Tell me,” I insist, stepping closer. “Whatever it is, I deserve to know.”

He sighs heavily. “You’re right. You do deserve to know.” He glances around, then gestures to a small alcove nearby. “Come on. This isn’t a conversation for the middle of a corridor.”

I follow him, dread building with each step. Once we have relative privacy, he turns to me, his expression serious.

“Maya, you and Griffin...You’re fated mates.”

I stare at him. “We’re what?”

“Fated mates,” he repeats. “The Goddess marks two souls as perfectly matched. The bond is profound. Unbreakable.”

The alcove seems to tilt slightly. “And Griffin knows this? He’s known all along?”

Erik hesitates, then nods. “He’s known since you were in that cell together. He recognized it the moment he was able to think clearly again.”

A cold weight settles in my chest. “All this time...He never said anything.”

“He was trying to protect you,” Erik says quickly. “You were already dealing with so much trauma, and the implications of being a wolf king’s fated mate...It’s a lot to put on someone.”

“That wasn’t his decision to make,” I say, voice tight with hurt. “He should have told me. I had a right to know.”

“You’re right,” Erik agrees, sighing. “And I think he knows that, too. But Griffin has spent his life protecting others. It’s instinct for him.” He puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. “My brother cares for you, Maya. More than I’ve ever seen him care for anyone. You’re the first good thing to happen to him in a decade.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my anger falter, but the hurt remains. “I need to think. I need some space.”

Erik nods, dropping his hand. “Of course. But Maya? Don’t push him away for too long. The full moon is coming, and for fated pairs...” He hesitates.