Kaelan paced the length of his chambers, his thoughts racing. The shaman’s words replayed in his mind: “She is not your mate.” Every instinct, every doubt he had buried, now rose to the surface, undeniable and suffocating. He had never been able to connect with Liana the way he had been told a bond would feel. Their union had always felt hollow, strained, and now he understood why.
The realization hit him hard: he had thrown Mira out, abandoned her based on lies and manipulation. And now, this sudden announcement of an heir—a claim that should bring joy—felt like a twisted game.
Liana and his mother’s voices from earlier echoed in his ears, their jubilant declarations only deepening his unease. He hadn’t been intimate with Liana, not truly. Every time he had tried, something within him had stopped him, an invisible force refusing the union.
“It’s because she’s not my mate,” Kaelan muttered to himself, the words heavy with truth.
Steeling himself, he called for Liana to meet him in his chambers. When she entered, her expression was a mix of confidence and feigned innocence, but Kaelan’s piercing gaze quickly unsettled her.
“Kaelan,” she began, her voice sweet, “is something wrong? You seemed upset earlier.”
Kaelan motioned for her to sit, his jaw tightening. “Liana, I need you to tell me the truth.”
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she forced a smile. “Of course, Kaelan. What’s on your mind?”
He leaned forward, his voice low and cutting. “Who did you sleep with?”
The color drained from Liana’s face, her smile faltering. “What… what do you mean?”
“You heard me,” Kaelan said, his tone icy. “Who did you sleep with? Because I know it wasn’t me.”
Liana’s mouth opened and closed as she struggled to form words. Finally, she forced a laugh, though it was shaky and unconvincing. “Kaelan, don’t be ridiculous. Of course, it’s you. Who else would it be?”
Kaelan laughed, the sound sharp and bitter. “Don’t insult my intelligence, Liana. I know the child isn’t mine. Now, spill the truth.”
Liana’s hands trembled, but she quickly clasped them together, trying to appear composed. “We… we were together the other night. You were tired and fell asleep afterward. That’s how it happened.”
Kaelan’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion deepening. “You think I’d forget something like that?” He shook his head, his voice firm. “You’re lying, Liana. And I’m giving you one last chance to tell me the truth before I find out myself.”
Liana’s lips tightened, her confidence crumbling under his scrutiny. “Kaelan, I don’t understand why you’re doing this. I’ve only ever been loyal to you.”
Kaelan rose to his feet, his imposing presence towering over her. “Leave,” he ordered, his voice cold. “Now.”