Nina cast Drago a cold, distant glance. "I've already said it—we have nothing to do with each other anymore. Don't come looking for me again."
Why was he here again?
Drago felt a tight ache in his chest. "What happened before… I wronged you. This time, I truly want to make it up to you."
"There's no need. I don't want anything from you. Leave—and don't come back."
Nina turned and walked into the courtyard without another look.
"Nina—"
Drago stepped forward, but the mates blocked his path.
They shot him a cold look and shut the gate in his face.
He stood there for a long time, staring at the closed doors, before finally turning away.
He knew… he had lost this daughter forever.
Step by step, he walked toward the city gates, his figure seeming smaller, more hunched with every step.
***
Back inside, Nina sat in the courtyard, playing with the cubs.
The mates kept a careful eye on her expression, worried that Drago's appearance might have affected her mood.
