Chapter Seventy-One - Mate Test

Aiden's POV

I paced the length of my room restlessly, weariness and frustration battling within me.

For days now, Jayden and I had been working ceaselessly to find a way to break the cursed twin mate bond that had caused us all such grief.

But despite consulting every ancient text and magical expert across the land, the solution continued to elude us. And with each day that passed, our darling Ella remained captive to the monster River, her fate unknown.

My steps faltered as I glanced again at the pendant hanging around my neck, glinting mockingly in the firelight.

I wore it trying to see if it's working.

The stone remained Blood red, proclaiming my betrayal of the sacred twin mate vows. Just looking at it made shame burn through me.

With an oath, I tore the necklace off and flung it viciously across the room. But removing the tangible reminder did nothing to ease my inner turmoil.

I had never expected restoring Jayden's faith and acceptance would prove this maddeningly difficult. We