Chapter Hundred thirty-one

Darius’s POV

I felt trapped, suffocated by the walls of this palace that once felt like a home but now seemed like a prison. My mother—her relentless pressure was wearing me down, twisting my thoughts. She kept pushing me, manipulating me to do things I didn’t want to do, to betray Alpha Orion. And it terrified me because I knew myself. There would come a moment when I’d lose control, when her words would seep into my mind like poison. If I gave in, I’d lose myself completely.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t betray him.

I packed my belongings quickly, each item thrown into my suitcase a small act of defiance. This palace no longer held anything for me. I’d leave, just as I did before, disappearing into the shadows where no one could reach me. The idea brought a strange, bittersweet relief—a freedom I had longed for. I was here for Anita, but she’s slipping further away. If she was gone, why stay? Why continue listening to my mother’s venomous words telling me I could be better than O