Chapter 243

Jaselyn's POV

"Where is this coming from, Jas?" Rion asked, his voice filled with concern and confusion. He tightened his grip around me, his arms warm and comforting, but I couldn't meet his eyes.

I hesitated, biting my lip as I fought to keep my emotions in check. The fear and shame clawed at my insides, making it hard to breathe. "Just answer me, Rion," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Would you leave me if I've been defiled?"

His eyes softened, and he cupped my cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "Jas, I would never leave you," he said firmly. "Not for anything. You are my mate, my Luna. Nothing could ever change that."

I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. His words were comforting, but the fear still lingered. "Rion... Zane... he..." My voice broke, and I took a shaky breath, forcing myself to continue. "He dark-bonded me. He raped me. He... he hurt me in so many ways."

A flash of anger crossed Rion's face, his jaw clenching as he processed my words. He took a deep breath, his expression softening as he reached out to gently caress my cheek. "Jas," he said softly, "I'm so sorry you went through that. None of this is your fault. Zane was a monster, and he took advantage of you. But that doesn't change how I feel about you. I love you, Jas. No matter what."

Tears streamed down my face as I leaned into his touch, my heart aching with the weight of everything that had happened. "I was so scared, Rion," I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I thought you wouldn't want me anymore. Who would want a Luna who was violated?"

Rion shook his head, his eyes filled with fierce determination. "Don't ever say that again, Jas. None of this was your fault. Zane was obsessed, and he hurt you. But you didn't deserve any of it. You are the strongest, bravest woman I know, and nothing will ever change the way I see you."

He bowed his head, his voice breaking slightly as he continued. "I should have been there to protect you. I failed you, Jas, and I'm so sorry."

"You don't need to apologize for anything, Rion," I said, my hand reaching up to touch his face. "You did everything you could. And I'm here now because of you."

He nodded, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "And you don't need to feel guilty for being a victim," he said gently. "Nothing could ever change the way I see you. To me, you'll always be the most beautiful woman on the planet, the best mate, and the one who holds my heart."

A small smile tugged at my lips, the fear slowly fading away as his words sank in. I realized I had been scared for nothing. Rion's love for me hasn't wavered, even after everything that has happened. "Thank you, Rion," I whispered, my heart swelling with gratitude and love.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, tender kiss. I melted into him, my heart cartwheeling in my chest as I kissed him back, pouring all my love and relief into that single moment. When we finally pulled away, I rested my forehead against his, our breaths mingling as we shared the quiet intimacy of the moment.

After a few seconds, I pulled back slightly, my expression turning serious. "Rion, there's something else you need to know," I said softly. "Zane told me... he told me that Celio is alive. He's with Isla."

Rion's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. "What?" he breathed, his voice barely audible. "Celio... he's alive?"

I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes again. "We have to rescue him, Rion. We can't leave him with that evil woman. Please, you have to save my son."

Rion took a deep breath, his expression hardening with resolve. "We will, Jas. I promise you, we'll get Celio back. But for now, you need to eat and get some rest. You need to take care of yourself, for our babies' sake."

I nodded, my heart heavy with worry for my son, but I knew Rion was right. I needed to be strong, to be ready for whatever came next. He gently laid me back against the pillows, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'll be right back," he said, standing up and leaving the room.

As soon as he was gone, the silence of the room closed in around me, and my mind began to race. I tried to focus on Rion's words, on the promise of rescuing Celio, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Zane. I could still feel his hands on me, his breath against my skin, his voice in my ear.

Suddenly, I saw him standing in the corner of the room, his eyes dark and filled with malice. My heart leapt into my throat, and I scrambled back against the headboard, my hands shaking. "No," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "You're not real. You're dead. I killed you."

But Zane only smirked, taking a step closer. "Did you really think you could get rid of me so easily, Jaselyn?" he taunted, his voice low and sinister. "I will always be with you. I will always haunt you."

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block him out, but when I opened them again, he was standing right next to me, his hand reaching out to touch my face. I gasped, recoiling from his touch, but his fingers brushed against my skin, cold and clammy. "No! Get away from me!" I screamed, grabbing the lamp from the bedside table and hurling it at the mirror.

The lamp shattered the glass, sending shards flying across the room. I breathed heavily, my eyes wide with fear as I stared at the broken mirror. The room was silent, but my heart was pounding in my ears.