Page 47 of The Moonborn's Curse

Watching. Her eyes had a telling shine that he didn't want to think about.

Hagan's breath shuddered out of him, but the anger only surged back, stronger.

His father still loomed over him, towering, his eyes burning holes through his skin.

And Hagan hated it.

Hated the expectation.

Hated the weight of it on his shoulders.

Hated the fact that his future had been decided without his say.

"Why shouldn't I be allowed to choose my own happiness?" His voice whispered, bitter and broken. His hands shook as he pointed an accusing finger at his father.

"You chose your mate, Dad." His voice cracked, raw and biting. "You chose Mom. No one forced you to bond with someone you despised! So, tell me—why should I be forced to be tied to this—this ugly creature who will never fit in?"

His voice rang out like a blade unsheathed.

Seren didn't move.

Didn't flinch.

Didn't even blink.

But Hagan felt it.

The sharp, unseen wound that had just been made.

Draken exhaled slowly, the disappointment in his gaze cutting deeper than any claw ever could.

Hagan swallowed hard.

His rage was still there, burning, but something colder settled beneath it.

Something he couldn't name.

His throat tightened as he looked at Seren again.

For a brief second—just a second—he thought she looked tired.

Like she already knew this battle wasn't over.

Like she was preparing for war.

Hagan clenched his jaw and stiffened.

His apology was stiff, forced.

"...I don't know you." His voice was flat, emotionless. "I feel we are too young for this. I’m sorry. But I must say the truth."

She said nothing.

But something shifted in her eyes.

It wasn't anger.

It wasn't sadness.

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