I took a deep breath, the weight of my decision settling over me. "But, Mom, choosing my wolf means turning away from my fated mate. I choose Alpha Roan."
End of Flashback
A sense of regret washed over me. The choice I made out of love now seemed like a distant echo, reverberating with the wisdom I had not yet possessed. I had embraced my mate, only to realize too late the profound loss that came with that choice.
Before I knew it, the world outside the window had faded into darkness. I remained silent, not answering my mother's mind link. I couldn’t face her, not after the choices I had made. The weight of my regrets hung heavy, and I let the silence of the inn envelop me.
Lost in my thoughts, Roan's mind link abruptly intruded, his voice laced with impatience. "Why aren't you home yet? Where's dinner?"
The mere thought of returning to him filled me with a deep, unsettling revulsion. I had chosen to stay at the inn, savoring the quiet that was a stark contrast to the chaos I had left behind.