74 - Gentle wind

“You have misunderstood,” Naya said suddenly, breaking the tense silence.

Lorenzo looked at her, confusion etching his features. The woman before him was unyielding, her expression as serene and cold as a still lake, reflecting an inner strength and fierce resolve.

“Being mates or not, I have no say in these matters,” she said, then continued with a voice devoid of emotion, “If he takes more, that is beyond my control.”

Lorenzo was stunned. “Naya–”

“If he wishes to bond with a hundred women, that is his choice,” Naya said.

Never in Lorenzo’s life had he heard such words, especially from a woman. Bonds with mates were sacred. The idea that someone could speak so indifferently about it was almost unimaginable. Did this mean Naya didn’t care about Kael at all? That she had no feelings for him and was merely bound to him by circumstance?

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Naya added, her eyes softening slightly.

Lorenzo, caught in the unexpected gentleness of her gaze, couldn’t help but