Chapter 181

Cassandra pov

The evening was deepening into shades of velvet twilight, the kind of darkness that wraps itself around you like a comforting shroud. I sat alone on the stone bench in our secret grove, absentmindedly tracing the ancient runes carved into the wood beside me. My mate was late again, and I couldn't ignore the bitter taste of worry mingling with my growing frustration.

"Where is he?" I whispered into the night, feeling the weight of our troubles pressing down on my shoulders.

Crickets chirped in a rhythmic symphony, their melody both calming and maddening in the silence that stretched endlessly. With each passing minute, my resolve wavered. Perhaps I should take matters into my own hands. Just as I was about to rise and leave, a rustling in the underbrush made my heart skip a beat.

My mate emerged from the shadows, his normally proud stance slightly hunched. His dark eyes met mine, and I could see the weariness etched into his features.

"Cassandra, I'm sorry I'm late," h