[POV: Omniscient]
Ruvan didn't even remember the trip back to the Citadel. It felt like he had teleported directly from the woods back to his chamber with Solenne in his arms.
As he sat on his bed, staring at the small woman's body, he realized that the constant screaming that usually reverberated in his skull was quieted. Not completely silent, but no longer overwhelming.
He felt… less mad?
"How?" he muttered under his breath.
Because she's our mate, you idiot, Kairas spat. It's what I've been trying to tell you since the moment you woke up.
Ruvan's temper threatened to snap, but he bit back the harsh words he wanted to say. He pulled Solenne closer to him, breathing in her sweet scent.
"I should kill everyone here," he stated.
Why? Kairas asked.
"So that no one else can smell her," Ruvan answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
