Chapter 16

Winter’s POV

I woke up in the middle of the night to a feeling of emptiness, turning in the bed and realizing that Lordan was gone. I was filled with disgust as I grabbed the linen that covered me. Lordan had bedded me, and the thought of what he might do to me after returning from the ritual was haunting.

My mind rewound to that terrible moment when I had no control over myself when I had given in to him despite my hatred. It felt like I would never be able to live with the guilt. I had betrayed Lucas, the one who had saved me from the horrors of the ritual. How would he feel if he found out about Lordan and me? I had shattered that trust he had in me.

I didn’t know how I’d face Lucas, but I knew the bedding was inevitable, considering I was legally bound to Lordan as his mate. I just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

I put my linen back on, and as I did, I heard a creak at the window. My senses went on high alert and I stood still in the room, wi