—- The Guild was holding a press conference to announce their research findings. And I saw her. She was on stage, dressed in the pristine white robes of a healer, giving a speech. She was confident, elegant, radiant. This was an Isla I had never seen before. After the conference, I pushed through the crowd.” Isla!” She turned. When she saw me, her eyes were completely void of emotion. “What are you doing here?” I grabbed her arm. “I know the truth.
It was you who saved me, not Seraphina.” “And?” She coolly pulled her arm away. “Are you here to thank me?” “T’m here to bring you back.” “Impossible.” “T’ve cut all ties with Seraphina,” I explained —- desperately. “I broke the mark, I threw her out.” “That has nothing to do with me.” She started to walk away, and I followed. “Isla, please, just listen to me. I love you. It’s youl truly love.” She stopped and turned back to me. “Love?” Her voice was laced with irony.
“Damien, you don’t know the first thing about love.” “I do! I know now!” “You’re just angry you were rejected,” she said, her eyes cold. “Your Alpha ego can’t handle someone defying your will.” “That’s not-” “Tf you truly loved me, you would never have put me through any of that.” She turned to leave again. “Isla!” I tried to follow, but two Guild guards blocked my path.
“Sir, please do not disturb our researchers.” “Thave to talk to her!” —- “T’m afraid that is impossible,” one of the guards said, his voice firm but respectful. ”Master Healer Isla has entered the final, sealed phase of her research. She will be in complete seclusion for the next eighteen months. No one gets in. No one.” I watched her disappear into the depths of the castle, and a cold dread washed over me. Eighteen months. Five hundred and forty-eight days. Ihad just lost my last chance to even see her.
