Emma descended slowly from the bed, her steps quiet as she drifted toward the window. Brandon's words echoed within her mind like a distant bell that refused to fade. She gazed at the sun as it slipped behind towering buildings, spilling golden light through the alleys. Tears gathered and traced a slow path down her face.
Brandon had already done so much for her. She knew how deeply he longed to become a Soulcrafter, yet he had abandoned that dream for her sake. They could not share a true royal mating bond, for his pack-kins would never accept her, so he had chosen a civil union instead. Now he was willing to surrender his birthright because of her. She would not allow him to sacrifice his future as the Moon Prince and the destined Alpha King. Never. Her tears fell harder, her chest trembling as sobs broke free. Brandon rose from the bed and moved to her side.
