RAIKAR
Raikar's black uniform felt like armor as he strode through the twilight toward the main courtyard, each piece of military regalia—the crisp shirt, the medal-adorned jacket, the polished boots—weighing heavier than usual against his shoulders. The twin moons cast long shadows across the stone pathways, and with each step, the crushing weight of what he'd done to Jade pressed deeper into his chest.
How could I have lost control so completely?
The memory of their joining replayed with brutal clarity—Jade's wild abandon as she rode him, her moans filling his senses, the mate bond singing between them like electricity. He'd felt his panther surge so close to the surface, felt his claws partially extend, but he'd been so lost in the sensation of her tight heat around him, so consumed by the primal satisfaction of finally claiming his mate, that when his climax hit with devastating force, he hadn't realized his claws had penetrated her skin.
A General who prided himself on discipline and control, reduced to an animal marking his mate without consent. The shame burned through him like acid.
She can still walk away. She can demand to go home, call Gerri, and flee my life forever.
The partial bond would remain, that cruel tether ensuring they'd feel each other's emotions across any distance, but she could choose never to complete it. The thought of her absence, of spending his life with only half a connection to the woman his soul recognized as its perfect match, made his chest constrict with panic.
Just get through this political theater. Rush back to her. Convince her to stay.
The courtyard came into view, torches flickering against the gathering darkness as hundreds of clan members assembled in anticipation. Raikar's jaw clenched as he spotted the small stage where Councilor Xylen waited with predatory patience, Sera standing beside him like a perfectly polished trophy.
"General Raikar!"
Brenn's voice cut through his dark thoughts. She jogged toward him, her usually calm demeanor replaced by obvious worry.
"Where is Jade? She hasn't been seen since training this morning, never came home. Talia and I are concerned."
Raikar stopped, realizing he should have communicated earlier. "My apologies for not contacting you sooner. Jade is at my estate. She was attacked by a panther in the jungle today."
Brenn's eyes widened with shock. "Attacked? By whom? Is she injured?"
"I arrived in time to intervene. She sustained scratches on her arm and some shock, but she'll recover." The clinical words felt inadequate to describe the terror that had ripped through him when he'd sensed her panic through their developing bond. "She'll be staying with me until I determine who orchestrated the attack and why."
"That's wise." Brenn's relief was palpable. "I can bring her belongings by later, so she doesn't need to worry about retrieving them herself."
"Your thoughtfulness is appreciated."
Across the courtyard, Xylen's sharp gaze fixed on him with unmistakable impatience. The councilor's expression promised consequences for any further delays.
"I must attend to this ceremony now."
Brenn nodded, stepping aside as Raikar approached the stage with measured strides. The crowd's anticipatory murmur died as he climbed the steps, positioning himself between Xylen and Sera. The councilor's satisfaction was almost palpable—finally, after a decade of waiting, the problematic General would fall into line.
"Welcome, members of our proud clan," Xylen's voice carried across the courtyard with practiced authority. "Tonight marks a momentous occasion—an event we have anticipated for ten years. General Raikar has finally chosen his mate."
The councilor turned toward Sera with theatrical flourish. "She stands before us now—Sera Valdris, a daughter of our finest bloodline."
Sera stepped forward, her hand reaching for Raikar's with confident expectation. The touch would seal their public engagement, the first step toward a mating that would secure his ascension to High Commander through political alliance rather than true partnership.
Raikar pulled his hand away sharply.
Xylen's eyes flashed with warning, but something inside Raikar—some combination of fury at being manipulated, protective rage over Jade's attack, and the bone-deep certainty that came with finding his true mate—finally snapped.
"Councilor Xylen speaks truthfully about one thing." Raikar's voice filled the night air with commanding authority. "I have chosen my mate after ten years of searching."
The crowd leaned forward in anticipation.
"But that mate is not Sera Valdris."
Gasps rippled through the assembly. Sera's face went rigid with shock and humiliation. Xylen's carefully constructed composure cracked, revealing the calculating politician beneath.
"Her name is Jade Moreno," Raikar continued, his voice carrying to every corner of the courtyard. "She is my fated mate."
