Chapter 62: Bound by Frustration

Raul’s POV: I knew it. As soon as Nick mentioned the plant, I had a sinking feeling it would be connected to her— Olivera. The moment her name slipped from his lips, I exhaled, letting the weight of my suspicions settle deeper into my chest. I watched Nick as he grinned with his newfound discovery, basking in it like a fool. Meanwhile, my indifferent expression only seemed to fuel his conviction that something significant had occurred. My beta, Roland, caught on quickly, his eyes narrowing at my lack of surprise. "You don't look the least bit shocked..." Roland remarked, his voice even but laced with curiosity. "Who is Olivera, anyway?" His gaze bounced between me and Nick, searching for answers. Nick straightened, his voice confident as he responded, "She’s the slave girl I’ve taken as an apprentice." I bit down hard, suppressing a growl at the mention of her status. Slave. If only they knew the truth. My mate wasn’t just some lowly girl, and the thought of them seeing her that wa