Better Let Go My Mate

t crept through the window, I woke

ity noodles himself, even if they turned out a gluey mess, and he'd hover until I ate every last bite. He'd surprise me with gifts-sometimes crate

remembered my birthday. Those years wi

to being invisi

evity noodles, just like he used to. As steam rose from the pot, I could almost see him, back when he was still

tear fell into the bow

ed in stacks of ornate gift boxes, and the head merchant grinned at me. "L

oxes, hardly believing my

p seas, a gold phoenix hairpin-every one chosen by Theodore himself. Said they're for his heart's mate.

gifts like these before, back when I was his heart's

in, but he was already gone

a bang. Sophia stormed in, flanked by a pack of maids and serva

ome nerve!" she shrieke

What are you

ese are my birthday gifts from Theodore, and you

o me by mistake, but Sophia didn't give me a chance. With a snap of h

ra

oss my face, the sting

spat. "A hunter's daughter, thi

Crack!

swollen and my vision swimming. Blood trickle

my hair, yanking my head back. "Theodore's heart is m

t something in me snapped. I tore free from the maid's grip and

g back, a red handprint

" she screeched, clutching h