But just as the mate bond flares between us, strong and undeniable, a sudden, sharp cramp twists in my stomach, pulling me back to reality.
I break away, gasping, one hand pressing instinctively to my abdomen. The pain fades, but the warning lingers, a silent message from the child within me — a reminder, a barrier I can’t ignore.
Lucian’s eyes darken with frustration, but he pulls back, his jaw tight, his breathing ragged. “What is it?” he asks, voice rough.
I shake my head, swallowing hard, willing my heart to slow. “I…I’m not ready to mate again.” My words come out in a shaky whisper, the conflict tearing at me. “I’m sorry.”
Something flashes in his green eyes — raw hurt that he can't quite mask fast enough — and my chest tightens at the sight.
"Let me prove myself worthy of Darkfang’s trust," I add softly, meeting his gaze. "Through the Darkguard training. Not…not like this."
For a moment, he just stares, his expression hardening, the warmth in his eyes cooling to something unreadable. “I understand,” he says, his voice distant now, all traces of vulnerability gone.
“Your next training session is tomorrow morning. I’ll see you there.” He rises, his movements controlled, but I can sense the tension radiating from him. Without another word, he leaves, the door closing with a soft, final click that echoes through the silence.