As I was forced to heal Kael’s generals, little Leo coughed up his last mouthful of black blood beside me. Alpha Kael had sealed the passage for his new alliance, using our secret mate bond to demand my obedience while coldly refusing to save my dying cub. I did not scream or beg. After burying my child, I entered the forbidden Whisperwood. Plunging a silver-soaked dagger into my chest, I brutally carved out Kael's mate mark. This irreversible severing would curse me with a hideous scar and tearing phantom pain every full moon. Leaving that bloody piece of flesh on the ancient altar, I walked away into the shadows alone. When the Alpha finally feels his soul tearing apart, who will he turn to once he realizes his secret omega is gone forever?