Chapter 96

Chapter 96:

She had only looked at me like that when I had done something wrong, when she was trying to endure my excesses. But what had I done wrong? I had always strived to be the best mate she could ever wish for.

Or was I the monster I feared I was?

To others, I was more than just a monster—I was a demon, and worse. But to her, I was the sweetest soul.

Questions raced through my mind, each one making my head ache. Even in death, I had always respected her, honored her, and loved her. That love would never fade, and no one could ever fill the void she had left in my heart.

But why was she distant from me now?

What had I done wrong?

Was I allowing something to come between us? I couldn’t be—

Suddenly, my eyes widened as the realization struck me.

I was allowing something—or rather, someone—to come between us. Aurora!

My blood boiled with anger at the thought that Aurora’s presence could make my feelings for Ivy fade away. She reminded me of Ivy, yet at the same time, she made me think less of her, pushing me further away from my memories. It was clear to me that ever since Aurora started living in the castle, my false imaginings about Ivy had vanished.

It was surprising how Aurora had healed me. She had effortlessly done what both my medications and my therapist had failed to accomplish. Part of me felt grateful to her, but the other part seethed with rage.

I didn’t care if she was helping me or not—what mattered was Ivy.

How dare Aurora make Ivy upset with me? As far as I was concerned, no one could come between Ivy and me.

I was certain Ivy wasn’t happy about my feelings for Aurora. But I didn’t care about the strange emotions that stirred in my chest whenever Aurora was around. I didn’t care about the overwhelming urge to give in to lust.

It was lust, and with time, it would fade away.

If Ivy wasn’t happy about Aurora, I wasn’t either. Dead or alive, Ivy was my mate, and she always would be.

Moving on was the furthest thing from my mind.

I wanted to drown in my memories of Ivy forever; it was the only way I could pretend she was still alive. I didn’t care if people thought I was crazy.

It would be Ivy, now and forever.

A frown deepened on my face as I tried to push the image of Aurora’s tear-filled eyes from my mind. Those silver-gray eyes… they made my heart skip a beat, and the frown deepened further.

Why was it so hard to be ruthless around her?

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