“How’s that?”
“You hated the feeling of being boxed in, of having someone else dictate what your life should look like. I did, too. My family had all these expectations, these rules about what I was supposed to be. And I fought them every step of the way because I thought breaking free was the only way to survive.”
“And you think I’m the same?”
“I think you’re running. From the bond, from Grayson, maybe even from yourself. And I get it. I do. But breaking thebond isn’t just another rebellion, Cora. It’s not a tradition you can walk away from or a role you can refuse.”
“It’s my life,” Cora argued. “And I won’t let anyone or anything dictate it. Not my family, not the coven, and certainly not a bond I didn’t choose.”
“I’m not saying you don’t have a right to choose, but this isn’t like leaving the coven. Severing a mate bond—it’s not just as simple as walking away. It’s about unraveling something fundamental that ties you to him on a level you don’t fully understand yet.”
Cora’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re starting to sound like him.”
“I’ve been doing research,” Elena continued, ignoring the jab. “Old texts, obscure sources. I wanted to understand what breaking a bond like this actually means. And the more I learned, the more I realized it’s not as simple as just cutting a cord.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying the bond doesn’t just connect you physically or emotionally. It’s tied to your souls, Cora. To who you are at your core. Severing it could destabilize you both. It could change you in ways you can’t predict, ways that might be irreversible.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“No, but neither do you,” Elena shot back. “And isn’t that enough of a reason to be cautious? To think this through before you do something you can’t take back?”
Cora shook her head, pushing away from the table. “You don’t get it. You don’t know what it’s like to feel trapped like this, to have something forced on you that you didn’t ask for.”
“Don’t I? You think I don’t understand what it’s like to feel powerless? To want to claw back control over your life with everything you have?”
“It’s not the same,” Cora insisted.
“It’s more similar than you think,” Elena said. “And I’m telling you, control isn’t about cutting ties or burning bridges. Sometimes, it’s about learning how to hold on to what matters without letting it consume you.”
Before Cora could respond, the front door opened, and Grayson stepped inside. His eyes darted between the two women until his gaze settled on Cora’s tense posture.
“What’s going on?” he asked, low and wary.
“Just a friendly chat,” Elena answered, her voice laced with sarcasm. She crossed her arms, leaning casually against the table. “Nice of you to join us, by the way.”
Grayson ignored her. He just kept his focus fixed on Cora. “Are you okay?”
Cora opened her mouth, but she had to swallow because she responded. “I’m fine.”
Grayson’s expression darkened, but Elena spoke up before he could press further. “You know, for someone who claims to care about her, you’re doing a pretty lousy job of showing it.”
Grayson whipped his head to face her. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. You’re supposed to be her protector, right? Her mate? Then why are you standing around letting her carry the weight of this bond like it’s her burden alone?”
“I’ve done everything I can to protect her,” Grayson snapped. “Everything.”
“Have you?” Elena challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re just as scared as she is. Maybe even more.”
Grayson’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t back down. “You don’t know anything about what I’ve been through. About what I’ve lost.”
“And you think that justifies shutting her out? Letting her feel like she’s in this alone?” Elena shook her head. “You’re supposed to be in this together, Grayson. That’s what a bond means.”
“This isn’t your fight. Stay out of it.”
“I care about her,” Elena declared. “And if you won’t step up, then someone has to.”
