Her hand slid from his grasp, trembling, "You don't understand, Lian… I'm not...." She broke off, pressing a palm to her forehead as a sharp pulse of pain seared behind her eyes. Two souls, and two memories colliding with each other.
She wanted to confess, but realized her mate bond was acting up; she realized he probably won't believe her.
He caught her shoulders worriedly, "Shuang'er...."
She met his gaze then, and for the first time, he saw it: the flicker of something alien in her eyes, colder, sharper less bound by affection.
"I have to go to the Crimson Howl," she said suddenly, her tone steadier than her shaking frame. "That's where the moonbeast is. The one creature that can break your curse completely. And for the baby too!"
Lian's expression hardened instantly, "The Crimson Howl is a forbidden territory. Even the King's men don't venture near. It devours those who approach it. Please Shuang'er, listen to me..."
