He couldn't bear the thought of watching her become another wolf's mate. His feelings had slipped through the cracks of his careful control, nearly exposing him to the pack elders. That was why he rushed into bonding with me—simply to satisfy his parents' demands and quiet the whispers among the Duskmoor wolves.
At first, the truth had torn through me like claws.
But deep in my heart, I always believed that a bond could strengthen over time. That eventually, I would find a way past his walls and into the place where his wolf truly dwelt.
Until a few days ago, when I discovered the secret hidden within his message-sigil crystal.
Aurora's pack registration had been transferred out of her bloodline's territory. She was tangled in a brutal bond dissolution with her mate, Darian Hollowfang.
With no den to shelter her, Fenris had arranged everything—securing her lodging at neutral territory inns, accompanying her through shared meals and moonlit walks along the forest trails, even standing beside her at the Mooncourt hearings to fight her bond severance.
Meanwhile, a month ago, I had been captured by wolves from a rival pack. When I sent him an urgent howl-call, desperate and afraid, his sigil channel remained dark and silent.
Later, an unmarked memory-crystal arrived for me.
In the vision it held, he was in Aurora's bed, lost in her body, their scents intertwined.
That was the moment I finally made my decision: this hollow bond had to end.
The memory pulled a bitter laugh from my throat.
I turned and walked out of his council chamber, sealing the signed bond rejection documents and sending them by trusted courier to Selene.
Back at the Alpha's Keep, I began gathering my things.
The garments hanging in the wardrobe, the tomes arranged on the shelves, the jewelry tucked away in carved wooden boxes... I sorted through each item, one by one, feeling nothing. Not a single thread of attachment remained.
When he returned to the den that evening, it took him a long while to notice how much had vanished from the rooms.
He wandered over to where I stood, his tone light and unconcerned. "Why are you packing things away? Replacing the old with new?"
I didn't lift my gaze. "Everything here is worn and faded. Time for a change."
He let out a low chuckle. "That's fair. You work so hard managing pack affairs for me—you deserve to treat yourself better. Claim whatever you desire from the tribute stores."
I offered no response. Just continued folding and sorting.
That night, fresh from the bathing springs, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his voice dropping to a low, suggestive rumble. "Perhaps tonight we could...?"
I steadied myself and stepped out of his embrace, keeping my tone flat. "My heat cycle just passed, and the aftermath still lingers. I don't feel well."
He paused, confusion flickering across his features. "Hasn't it been four days since your heat ended?"
My expression remained unchanged. "I still don't feel well."
In five years of being bonded, this was the first time I had ever refused him.
Before, even when my body was still recovering from the intensity of heat, I would have pushed through the discomfort to accommodate his needs—as long as he wanted me.
Not anymore.
From now on, I would put myself first. I would learn to refuse. I would release all the grievances and heartache I had been carrying like stones in my chest.
This bond was finished.
Thirty days. The mandatory reflection period required by Mooncourt law.
In thirty days, I would leave this den for good.
I lay awake through the entire night, listening to the distant howls echoing across the territory.
At first light, I rose and prepared a morning meal—only for myself. I didn't set out his portion the way I always used to.
Fenris emerged from the sleeping chamber and instinctively curved his arm around my waist, leaning down to press his lips against my forehead in the traditional morning greeting between mates.
I tilted my head slightly, avoiding his touch.
"What's wrong? Is your mood sour this morning?" He noticed the change immediately.
I lowered my head. My nose stung, and I could barely keep the heat from rising to my eyes.
I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek and forced my voice to stay even. "I'm just hungry."
He didn't push further. After all, that morning kiss had always been something I insisted upon, a small ritual I treasured. To him, it had never held the same meaning.
He settled into his seat, grabbed a piece of honeyed bread, and took a bite. Then, as if suddenly remembering, he asked, "By the way, which pack was that alliance pact with yesterday? I don't think I ever inquired."
I kept my composure steady. "The Emberstone Pack. Would you like to review the blood oath terms?"
He was quiet for a moment.
Just as cold sweat began to prick at my palms, he laughed and reached over to ruffle my hair with casual affection. "I trust you."
I ducked my head, a sour ache spreading through my chest like slow poison.
I had even secretly hoped that maybe, just this once, he would show some genuine interest in my work for the pack. Ask if there were any concerns with the alliance terms. Any hidden dangers lurking in the fine details.
But reality proved it was just another one-sided dream.
After we finished eating, we climbed into the carriage. His message-sigil crystal pulsed with an incoming call almost immediately.
It was Aurora.
