Alexei’s POV

I was on my way to pick up Novel. It was her last exam, and I wanted to take her somewhere special to unwind. When I arrived at the school, I considered calling her, but I decided to surprise her instead. I hadn't walked far when I spotted her. She was talking to Emilia. I instinctively tried to reach for her through a mind-link, but I caught myself, she was still new to the pack, and I hadn't ascended to Alpha yet. The bond wasn't fully open. Suddenly, a sharp, agonizing pain pierced my chest, like a silver blade driven into my heart. My knees buckled, and I...