I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

ARIA

When I didn’t answer, he smiled. That ruel, knowing smile that made me feel like the daive fool 1

was

“They don’t,” he said simply. “If anything, you’ve confirmed their worst assumptions abour; weak. That you need saving. That you can’t handle the pressures of being Luna without falls nearly died and had to be rescued by the woman you’re supposed to be replacing. How does that make look capable or worthy?”

“Ivory didn’t replace me,” I protested. “She’s a healer, not-

“She’s everything you’re not,” Damon interrupted. “Beloved. Trusted. Valuable, Competent. Connected to Kael in ways you’ll never understand or match. And the worst part? You know it. You’ve known it from the beginning. That’s why you’re so insecure. That’s why you’re so desperate for acceptance. Because deep down, you recognize that you’re the interloper in a dynamic that was working fine before you arrived.

He leaned back, studying my expression with satisfaction.

“I heard about Margo,” he said casually. “Your former maid. How relieved she was to be dismissed from your service. How much happier she is working for Ivory instead. Everyone’s happier when they’re not forced to interact with you, Aria. Even your own staff.”

“How do you know about Margo?” I demanded, hating how defensive I sounded.

“I told you-everyone talks,” Damon said. “Guards. Other prisoners. Visitors who aren’t as careful as they should be about what they discuss within earshot. Information travels. And the information about you is consistent. You’re tolerated but not wanted. Accepted as a political necessity but not valued as a person. Living in your title rather than earning it.”

I’m trying- I started.

You’re trying to be Ivory,” Damon corrected. “Trying to earn the same trust she has. Trying to match her accomplishments. Trying to compete with fifteen years of proven dedication. And you’re failing, Aria Youll always fail because the standard you’re trying to meet is impossible. Ivory earned her position through years of consistent action. You’re trying to earn yours in weeks. It’s not going to work.”

He paused, then added almost gently, “And even if you could somehow match her accomplishments, it wouldn’t matter. Because Karl’s wolf has already claimed her. His human side can bond with you for political frasons. But his wolf-lais true nature, his instinctive self-that belongs to Ivory. And when push comes to shove, when he has to choose between what’s politically convenient and what his wolf waith. wolf will win

“You don’t know that I whispered.

Dout 1 Damon chudienged “He has her testimony over your bond Chose to 45romg you rather than doide her word Cheer Gifteen years of huy with her over there waska u bond with you polines, Ars. That’s instine: That’s his mod regizing what his founan

luis vrai inate and paste just de baan ke dans

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17:34 Fri, Dec 19

Chapter 131

Tears were streaming down my face now, and I hated myself for giving him the satisfaction of sout break. But I couldn’t stop them. Couldn’t stop the pain his words were causing because undernea cruelty, they resonated with fears I’d been trying to suppress.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked through my tears. “Why did you bring me here just to destro me

“Because someone needs to wake you up,” Damon said, and for a moment, something Imp concern crossed his face. “Because watching you stumble around Shadowmere, trying belong somewhere you’ll never be wanted, trying so hard to earn trust you’ll never recei witness. Aria. Even I, who hurt you so badly, can see that you’re destroying yourself trying t impossible standard.”

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