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Chapter 15: Sting of Victory
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2024-12-15 09:15:49The forest path leading back to the pack house blurred before Erika’s eyes, not from exhaustion but from the hot sting of unshed tears. Diego’s cutting words rang in her ears, drowning out the cheerful voices of the pack members trailing behind her.
Her chest ached, not from the physical strain of the obstacle course but from the weight of Diego’s furious stare. The exhilaration of her hard-earned victory had been short-lived, stolen by his cryptic anger.
“Luna?” Sofia’s soft voice broke through her thoughts. Erika blinked and glanced to her side, where the petite but sharp-eyed pack member had appeared. Sofia’s brow furrowed as she studied Erika’s face. “Are you alright? You seem… off.”
Erika hesitated, her instinct to confide warring with the need to keep her private pain hidden. “I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.
Sofia tilted her he
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Erika paused at the threshold of her chambers, her eyes falling on the delicate night robes draped neatly across her bed. The soft fabric shimmered in the light, a pale, gossamer thing that seemed too fragile for the weight of her current turmoil.As she stepped inside, the faint scent of lavender and chamomile hit her. The bath was ready, steam curling lazily into the air, with petals of red and white roses floating on the surface. She touched the water hesitantly, warmth greeting her fingertips.Her first thought was of Dunia, but then doubt crept in. Could this be Diego’s doing? The thought sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. It was thoughtful, almost tender—but instead of comfort, it only heightened her nerves.What does he want from me tonight?She stripped off her training clothes and sank into the bath, her muscles sighing in relief even as her mind remained restless. She closed her eyes, trying to let the soothing water
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