Nivella's POV
When I called his nickname, his body eased at once, as if all was normal again.
His eyes softened as he walked toward me. He bent down to kiss me, but I turned my face slightly, letting his lips brush my cheek instead.
“I’m tired,” I said quietly, pulling the covers over myself. “It has been a long day.”
Razen’s expression stiffened for a moment, then he forced a small smile. “Of course. You should rest.”
There was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but he said nothing more.
His crystal communicator buzzed again. He picked it up quickly, and the irritation on his face vanished, replaced by a bright smile as he replied.
The moment he finished, he got up from the bed and began dressing in a rush. “Something came up in the pack,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “I will be back in a few hours.”
“Of course. Take your time,” I answered calmly.
Razen looked at me, clearly surprised.
Before, I would have complained about him leaving late at night for sudden pack matters. Now I was telling him to go without question.
His crystal communicator buzzed once more. He shook off his confusion and hurried out.
“I love you,” he muttered as he left.
“And I hate you,” I whispered under my breath.
***
When I woke the next morning, Razen had not returned. He most likely stayed at Navielle’s place. But it no longer mattered to me.
I prepared for my visit to the healer’s hall.
As I sat on the bed inside the healing chamber, my heart tightened painfully. Could I really go through with this?
The healer stood beside me.
“Are you sure about this, Lady Nivella?” she asked gently.
I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came. My hand moved to my stomach on its own.
I thought of Sven.
His bright smile… his small hands holding mine… the way he called me mother… the happiness he gave me…
Tears filled my eyes. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t end this life.
“I… I have changed my mind,” I whispered. “I cannot do it.”
The healer nodded softly. “That is alright. Take your time. You may leave when you are ready.”
My pup deserved to live. No matter how dark my world had become, this pup was still a part of me. A part of Sven. I would not let anyone take that away.
As I walked down the hallway, lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar laugh. I looked up and froze.
Razen and Navielle.
They were leaving the moon ward together, smiling at each other like nothing else existed. Razen’s hand rested on her lower back as he leaned close, whispering something that made her laugh softly.
My blood turned cold. Navielle’s hand rested on her stomach, and my eyes widened.
She was carrying a pup.
They saw me before I could turn away. Navielle’s face lost its color.
“Nivella,” she hurried toward me, her eyes wide with false worry. “I… I was just… Razen came to accompany me for my check.”
“Don’t apologize, Navielle,” Razen cut in gently, placing his hand on her shoulder. His eyes were warm as he looked at her. “You didn’thing wrong.”
I smiled at them. “Yes, you are right, Razen. She didn’thing wrong.”
I stood there, empty, watching them. The way he looked at her… the way he shielded her… it was everything he once promised me.
They both looked surprised. In the past, I would have reacted, would have shown my jealousy or complained. But every time, Razen would scold me for doubting my own sister.
“We were together before, but she’s married now, and so am I. We are only close, nothing more.” He always told me that.
Razen turned to me. “We will talk at home, Nivella. Let me take Navielle back first.”
I didn’t hesitate. “Please, take your time,” I said as I walked past them.
“And congratulations on your pup, Navielle,” I added coldly without turning back.
I left them standing there, both caught off guard.
***
Razen must have sensed something was wrong, because he returned early that night.
“You are back early,” I said, not lifting my eyes from the book in my hands as I lay on the bed.
“Yes. I finished early today. I came back to spend time with my lovely mate,” he said, leaning down to kiss me, but again, I turned my face, and his lips met my cheek.
Razen paused, watching me, but I kept my focus on the book I was not truly reading.
“I feel like we have not spent enough time together. I will take a few days off from pack duties,” he said softly, his eyes filled with concern.
I shrugged lightly. “You have been busy with the pack. I understand.”
Razen frowned slightly, surprised by my calm tone. He knew this was not like me. I had always wanted him to rest and stay with me.
“What’s going on, Nivella?” he asked. “Why are you acting like this?”
