Chapter 49. The Edge Between Grief and Temptation

The air inside Rina’s chamber felt heavy, as though her lingering scent refused to leave.

Theo sat motionless beside the window, staring blankly at the dark sky. The untouched tray of food lay cold beside him, the wine jar half-empty.

A gentle knock echoed at the door.

“My Alpha,” came Samantha’s quiet voice.

He didn’t reply. The silence stretched until the door creaked open. Samantha stepped inside, her face pale, her expression soft and worried. She carried the tray of fresh food the maids had begged her to deliver.

She paused at the doorway, studying him. His once proud shoulders slumped forward, his eyes empty, haunted. It broke her heart—though not entirely for the right reasons.

She set the tray down and said softly, “My Alpha… you must not punish yourself like this. Please, at least eat something. Live—for Rina’s sake. I believe that’s what she would want.”

Her voice trembled with gentle emotion, and for the first time in days, Theo s