Vincent said nothing.
But the slight tremor running through his body betrayed everything he was trying to hide.
His hands hung rigidly at his sides, fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.
Sharp pain shot through his skin. It was insignificant compared to the agony in his heart.
As her mate, he had utterly failed.
He hadn't known.
Hadn't known that his Rory had once struggled to survive like the lowest-ranking beastkin, fighting through mud, blood, and hardship just to stay alive.
Meanwhile, the group chat continued flashing with messages.
Nix: Why did everyone stop talking?
Nix: Tell me.
Nix: Did Rory really suffer that much before?
Nix: Somebody answer me.
Nix: Please say something.
He desperately wanted to run out and find Rory.
But Rory had told him he wasn't allowed to leave until noon.
If he broke his punishment and ran out now, she might be upset.
The anxiety was driving him crazy.
