_Aaron's POV_
"Aaron, did you see that? The rejection ceremony was left incomplete! This is a sign, a sign that Anna's heart is not yet fully closed to us. We still have a chance to convince her, to show her the depth of our love."
I couldn't bring myself to share Leon's optimism. The weight of Anna's rejection still clung to my heart, heavy and suffocating. I had witnessed the resolve in her eyes, the firmness of her voice as she severed the bond between us. The wounds ran deep, and I couldn't imagine a future where they could be healed.
"Leon, I understand your hope, but I fear that it may be misplaced. Anna's decision was clear and resolute. We must respect her autonomy and accept that she does not want to be our mate."
"But Aaron, love is a powerful force. It can overcome even the
