Chapter 42: Ruined

MY HEARTBEAT thudded in my head. I would rather hear Katriona raise her voice at me just like before. I would rather see her lose control or at least, see her try to reveal those little claws to hurt me than see her this quiet.

It was like I was looking at a ghost or at Katriona’s empty shell. Gone were the familiar warmth and glow in her eyes.

She was not just shattered. She was… ruined.

Did she unlock all of her memories while she was gone?

“Baby…” I uttered in a pained voice.

Heck, I had fought against the bravest and strongest wolves in the past. I always knew what to do. I had rebuilt the North into what it was now. I conquered the rogues. I conquered their demons. Now, they were on the hills, working for me.

I had ruled and dealt with thousands of people with confidence and certainty.

But tonight, I didn’t know what to do. For the first time after so many goddamn years, this helplessness snuck its way back to my heart, rendering me motionless.

When Katriona saw me try to reach o