“The cursed beast?” Mariana whispered, her voice barely audible. “No. No, not River.”
“Yes, Mother,” Isabelle said, her tone theatrical, her tears flowing freely. “She accepted to be his chosen mate.”
Her father, trembling, managed to find his voice. “Are you saying… River is Prince Heiko’s chosen mate?”
Isabelle nodded, her head shaking slightly, as if the truth was too painful to bear. “Yes, Father. The Alpha himself tried to bring her back, to reason with her, but she refused to leave his side… in front of everyone.”
Mariana shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “This can’t be. This isn’t my little girl. River wouldn’t…she wouldn’t choose this.”
“She did,” Isabelle pressed, her voice breaking. “I knew she was suffering… but I didn’t realize how far she’d fallen. To seek he
