Chapter Thirty Five

ARIEL——

I watched Xavier carefully, my heart heavy with the knowledge of his true identity. It pained me to see him continue to lie, to pretend that he was just a guard when I knew he was so much more. But I couldn't reveal that I knew his secret, not if it meant losing him for good.

Every time he spoke about his duties as a guard, a pang of sadness echoed within me. I wanted so desperately to tell him that I understood, that I knew he was the Alpha of our pack. But the risk was too great. If I exposed his secret, it could put both him and the pack in danger.

As Xavier continued to explain the dangers that came with being close to him, I felt a mix of frustration and longing. I wanted to be by his side, to support him in every way possible. But I had to respect his decision to keep me safe, even if it meant keeping me at a distance.

"Xavier, I understand," I said softly, my voice filled with a mixture of resignation and sadness. "I don't want to put you or the pack in danger. I'll tru