I stood before the tall mirror, smoothing the emerald fabric of my dress. It was simple and graceful, the kind of dress a Luna wore to mark four years of a bond. Yet the wolf staring back at me looked empty.
She was not excited. She was waiting for pain.
I stepped into the main hall just as Ramona walked out of the guest chamber.
She wore a piece of red cloth that barely covered her body. It hugged her curves tightly, the neckline low, the hem far too short.
Axton stood near the entrance, checking the time crystal on his wrist. He looked up and froze. His eyes widened, then darkened.
“No,” he said sharply. “Where do you think you are going dressed like that?”
Ramona smiled, adjusting a strap she did not need to touch. “I am going out. I want to have fun. It is boring here with you two acting like bonded lovers.”
“You are not going anywhere,” Axton snapped, moving closer. “That outfit shows too much. You look careless, Ramona. Go change.”
“Why should I?” she challenged, folding her arms.
“Because I am worried,” Axton replied tightly. “Your brother would not approve. Rhydan would lose his temper if he saw you like this.”
I watched from the side of the hall. To anyone else, it might have sounded like an Alpha watching over his friend’s sister. But I saw the truth in his eyes. The way his gaze lingered on her bare skin. It was not worry. It was jealousy. He did not want other wolves seeing what he believed belonged to him.
Ramona scoffed. “You are not my mate. And you are not my brother. I stay here only because Rhydan ordered it. You do not control me.”
She grabbed her bag and walked past him, her shoes striking the floor loudly. The door slammed shut.
Axton stood still, his hands clenched, staring at the door with fury burning in his eyes.
I cleared my throat.
He jumped and turned. For a brief moment, the anger was still there before he forced a smile.
“Are you ready, my Luna?” he asked, though his voice was stiff.
The ride through the pack city was heavy with silence. Axton held the wheel tightly, his knuckles pale. He checked his communicator again and again, his leg shaking with unease.
“If you do not want to go,” I said softly while looking outside, “we can return home.”
He breathed out hard. “I am sorry. I am just worried about Ramona. If something happens to her, Rhydan will blame me. I promised to watch over her.”
“Is that the only reason?” I asked, turning toward him.
He looked at me, eyes wide and innocent. “Of course. What else could it be?”
I smiled slightly. A quiet and sad smile. “All right.”
The restaurant was beautiful. Soft firelight, gentle string music, and the scent of fine wine filled the air. This was where he had asked me to be his Luna. But he was not truly there. His body sat across from me, yet his mind chased a she wolf in red.
He checked his communicator constantly. He barely touched his food. When I spoke of small things, he answered without thought.
Then his communicator buzzed.
He grabbed it so fast he nearly spilled his drink. His face drained of color as he read the message.
“I have to leave,” he said suddenly, standing up.
“What?” I froze, my fork still in my hand. “Axton, we have not even ordered the main meal.”
“It is urgent,” he said, already pulling on his coat. “Pack work. A system failed. I must go now.”
“On our bond anniversary?”
“I am sorry, Lunessa. I will make it right.” He placed a stack of coins on the table without meeting my eyes. “Take a carriage home. I love you.”
Then he left.
I sat there alone, his words echoing in the empty space. A server approached carefully.
“Is everything all right, Luna? Should I bring the next course?”
“No,” I said quietly. “Just the bill.”
I returned home by carriage. The den was dark when I entered. I expected silence.
Instead, I saw them.
Ramona lay across the couch, her red dress wrinkled, her face smeared with makeup. She laughed loudly, her words unclear. A bottle of strong spirit sat half empty on the table.
And Axton was there.
He knelt beside her, gently wiping her face with a damp cloth. He was not at the pack office. He was not handling a crisis. He was caring for her.
“You are a mess,” he murmured, his voice soft. “I warned you not to go out.”
“I just wanted to dance,” Ramona laughed, reaching for his face.
Axton caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
Then he saw me.
He stiffened and stood quickly, stepping away from her.
“Lunessa,” he said nervously. “I received a call. She was drunk at a tavern. The owner contacted me. I had to bring her home.”
So that was the emergency.
Not the pack. But her.
“I understand,” I said calmly.
“I am sorry about dinner,” he said, moving toward me. “I was about to explain.”
I walked past him.
I did not shout. I did not cry. I even did not look at Ramona.
“It is fine,” I said. “I am tired.”
I entered the sleeping chamber and locked the door. I leaned against it, listening to his quiet voice outside as he told her to keep silent, lifting her and carrying her to the guest room.
My communicator chimed. I looked down. A new message from Maven.
[Bond Severance Papers Ready
Lunessa, the documents are complete. They are attached below.]
Then another alert appeared. From Travel Authority.
[Territory Exit Permit Approved]
I stared at the glowing screen. The tears that had waited all night disappeared completely.
