Damien.
Everything happening was beginning to take a toll on me.
I could feel it, slowly, steadily, like a weight pressing down on my chest with every passing moment. The tension, the confusion, the constant shift in everything I thought I understood… It was exhausting.
But even with all of that….There was one thing that bothered me more than anything else.
The fact that I couldn't mark Maria.
My grip tightened slightly around the book in my hands as the thought resurfaced again, sharper this time, more frustrating. I leaned back slightly, exhaling through my nose as I tried to steady my thoughts.
It didn't make sense.
None of it did.
I hadn't felt it.
That *itch* they all talked about, that uncontrollable pull… that burning urge to claim her, to mark her, to seal the bond.
Nothing.
And it was driving me insane.
My wolf had already recognized her.
Accepted her.
There was no doubt about that.
So why was it so difficult for me?
Why was I the only one left out?
