A Fractured Bond
Draven’s fury spilled over the moment they were alone in the Alpha’s quarters. He paced the room, his claws flexing at his sides, his energy barely restrained.
“I told you to stay away from him,” he growled, his voice low but taut with anger.
Isla stood her ground, her arms crossed and her silver eyes blazing with defiance. “And I told you I’m not some fragile thing you need to protect from the truth. If there’s something about Malrik I should know, tell me.”
Draven stopped pacing, his jaw tightening. “You don’t understand,” he said, his voice rough. “He’s not just manipulative—he’s a master at turning people against each other. It’s how he’s survived his entire life.”
“Then tell me why!” Isla’s voice rose, her frustration finally breaking through. “Why does he hate you so much? What happened between you two that you won’t talk about? I’m your mate, Draven. I deserve to know.”
Draven exhaled sharply, his fists clenching as he leaned against the edge of the desk. “He resents me because I was chosen to lead. Our father saw something in me that he didn’t see in him. Malrik was passed over, left to scrape by with whatever scraps of power he could find. He blames me for every failure he’s ever had.”
Isla’s expression softened, but her voice remained firm. “And now he’s here, using that resentment to chip away at everything we’ve built. You think keeping me in the dark will stop him? It only gives him more power.”
Draven turned to her, his amber eyes dark with pain. “You don’t know what he’s capable of, Isla. He manipulates, undermines, poisons everything he touches. I won’t let him do that to you.”
Isla stepped closer, her tone softening but her determination unshaken. “Then trust me to see through his lies. I’m not a child, Draven. If you keep treating me like one, how can I trust you to treat me as your equal?”
Draven’s shoulders sagged under the weight of her words. He looked at her, his voice quieter now, raw with vulnerability. “You’re right. But there are things about Malrik that even I can’t face. Things I don’t want you dragged into.”
Isla placed a hand on his chest, her touch grounding him. “We’re in this together, Draven. Whatever shadows he brings, we’ll face them side by side.”
Draven pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as though she might slip away. “You’re my anchor, Isla,” he murmured.
