ALDRIC'S POV
It's been the longest f*****g day of my entire life. To my relief, the sun has finally set, bringing it to an end. Darkness blankets my office, and the lack of light offers me an odd comfort. If I can't see anything, I don't have to recognize that it is real.
I can pretend that I didn't shun my mate because, in the dark, I imagine she is here with me.
I can pretend that I just didn't promise Shiho that I would mark and claim her as my mate on Friday, knowing full well that I am going to destroy her heart because in the dark, I don't have to face my lies.
I can pretend that in less than forty-eight hours, I will not have to fight to the death in a magically rigged Rite. Or equally problematic, try to convince a room full of Alphas that our entire communal system is being s
