0004.

HENRY'S POV

Sinking into the couch, I felt the weight of rejecting my mate. Thoughts swirled, a relentless storm. Ivory's knock broke the silence.

"What brings you here?" I asked, my tone flat, preoccupied.

Ivory's entrance once captivated me—seductive, confident. Now, it felt hollow. Her perfume wafted through the air, but my senses remained numb.

"I came for you," she said, her eyes locking onto mine, searching for a spark.

My mind belonged to Niylah. Guilt crept in; Ivory was my former distraction, now a wrong choice.

"Liam's waiting," I lied, standing abruptly.

Ivory's expression fell, but she quickly recovered.

"I'll leave."

Relief washed over me as she departed.

My life teetered on the edge of dramatic change. Niylah lingered in my thoughts, a constant hum.

Liam's words echoed: "Can your wolf resist that?"

Restless, my wolf carved Niylah's presence, a primal call.

Gazing out into the night, city lights twinkled like stars, but my mind wandered.

Questions swirled: What made Niylah special? Why did her distress resonate deeply?

Memories of our complicated past resurfaced.

Liam, once carefree, now stood as a rival.

Father's words pressed upon me: "Secure our legacy. Liam's impulsiveness will ruin everything."

Duty wrestled with desire.

Niylah's smile and resilience captivated me.

Her presence tested loyalty, duty, and heart.

My phone buzzed, breaking the spell.

Liam.

"Still thinking about Niylah?" He asked, his tone measured.

I hesitated.

"Yeah."

Liam's silence conveyed understanding.

"Consider your feelings, Henry. It's complicated."

"I know," I replied, running a hand through my hair.

The call ended.

Lost in thought, I realized my life was at a crossroads.

Tomorrow's uncertainty fueled restlessness, eagerness to face the unknown.

Darkness enveloped me, yet clarity emerged.

Niylah was more than a fascination—she was a turning point.

I rose, determination burning.

I'd confront fate.

Would I confirm Niylah as my mate?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

As I paced, my wolf stirred, urging me to claim Niylah.

But what about Ivory?

The engagement, the expectations?

My father's words echoed: "Legacy over love."

But was it worth losing Niylah?

I stopped pacing, my eyes locked on the city skyline.

Niylah's face appeared in my mind, her vulnerable expression.

My heart ached.

I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd made a grave mistake.

Rejecting Niylah felt like betraying my own heart.

The night air seemed to thicken, heavy with anticipation.

Tomorrow, I'd face Niylah.

And myself.

I'd confront the truth:

Niylah was my mate.

And I wanted her.

The realization hit me like a tidal wave.

My phone buzzed again.

This time, it was my father.

"Henry, I need to speak with you."

I hesitated, knowing what was coming.

"Duty calls, son. Don't forget your engagement."

My jaw clenched.

"I won't."

But my heart screamed otherwise.

As I ended the call, I knew I had a choice to make:

Legacy or love?

The battle within me had begun.

And Niylah was the prize.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.

Tomorrow would change everything.

The darkness outside seemed to fade, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Niylah, I'm coming for you.