I swallowed the painful lump in my throat.
But until the truth is revealed… I will not abandon him.
The silence that followed felt colder than the longest winter night.
Finally Caleb spoke again.
His voice sounded distant.
Bitter.
Fine.
Do whatever you want. If you’re determined to destroy what we have, then go ahead.
He paused.
I… I don’t even recognize you anymore, Aria.
His words cut deeper than claws.
I don’t know who you’ve become.
Before I could respond, the mindlink snapped shut.
But not before I felt the echo of his broken sob through the fading bond.
My hand slowly fell to my lap.
Fresh tears slid down my pale cheeks as quiet whimpers escaped my throat, soon turning into uncontrollable sobs.
Why, Caleb?
Why couldn’t he wait for the truth?
Why was he so determined to end our bond like this?
“Aria…”
Marcus’s voice broke through my thoughts.
I hurriedly wiped my face, not wanting him to see me like this. I didn’t want him blaming himself for my pain.
But the more I wiped my tears, the more they fell.
When I finally looked up at him, my eyes were swollen and burning.
“I’m sorry,” Marcus whispered.
His voice was heavy with guilt.
“I’m so sorry, sis.”
He wrapped his arms around me tightly.