chapter

Mara's Pov

Talia's eyes dropped, shame etched on her face. "Mara, I...," she began, her voice trembling.

"Tell me," I insisted, my curiosity increased. "Just start talking.

Talia took a deep breath. "That day...in the woods...," she started. "I ran away, I left Rhys hanging," she admitted, tears welling.

"But you came back after I begged you to go back and stay with him," I said, confusion etched on my face.

Talia shook her head "No, Mara. I didn't save him. You did," she whispered.

"But why did you lie to Rhys when he woke up that you saved him?" I asked. Talia's eyes met mine, filled with regret.

"When I went back to look after him as you begged me to When Rhys woke up...he was disoriented," she explained. "I saw his wristwatch...the family crest...and I knew he was from a wealthy home."

Her voice cracked. "I pretended to be his savior...his mate," Talia confessed. "And He believed me because I was the only one there with him when he woke up."

My mind reeled. "You manipulated him, T