"Return to the den and complete the alliance pact terms. I'll have the Elder Council process your rank raise immediately—a full tier advancement to start. How does that sound?"
"The Silvercrest alliance cannot move forward without you!"
"Cannot move forward without me?" I let out a hollow laugh, the sound rough in my throat. "Alpha Ashthorne, you give me too much credit."
"Your pack overflows with capable wolves. Especially certain individuals."
"Outstanding abilities. Skilled at reading the room. Presentation scrolls that could earn Moon-Honor from the High Council itself."
"A simple Silvercrest pact? Mere pup's play for someone of that caliber."
"I suggest you save the opportunity for those who truly hunger for it."
"Like, say, the one who walked away with those prime hunting rights and treasure shares."
"Kael!" Aurora's voice turned to ice, her Alpha command threading through each word like a threat. "Do not bare your fangs at the one who sheltered you. You think any pack out there will take in a wolf who abandoned his own?"
"You think your aging ward-craft and patrol strategies are in high demand?"
"Let me make this clear—leave these grounds today, and do not expect to crawl back with your belly exposed."
"If the Silvercrest alliance crumbles because of your desertion, can you even bear that weight on your shoulders—"
I cut her off, my voice steady as stone. "Alpha Ashthorne, the moment you shredded my oath withdrawal and tossed it into the fire pit, any responsibility between me and this pack ceased to exist."
"The Silvercrest alliance benefits someone. That someone can shoulder the burden."
"As for my future..."
I watched the moonlight filtering through the corridor windows, casting its pale silver glow across the worn stone floor.
"That is no longer your concern."
I ended the connection before she could speak another word.
Silence. Finally.
I held the nearly empty leather satchel against my chest and climbed the winding path toward home, one step at a time.
The road ahead was uncertain. Perhaps even lined with thorns and hostile territory.
But at least I would never again have to chase prey that was always just out of reach. Never again have to choke on the stench of shameless status-posturing and false scent-soothing.
When I reached our dwelling, my mate was clearing the evening meal from the table.
She looked up as I entered, surprise flickering across her delicate features. "You're home early?"
I set down the satchel. No point in hiding it. I told her everything—the hunting rights stolen, the betrayal, all of it.
"So I broke my oath of service."
I braced myself for her disappointment.
It never came. Instead, she crossed the room and took my hands in hers, her voice soft as moonlight.
"It's alright. If you left, you left."
"These past seasons... you've worn yourself down to bone and sinew. And you've never truly been at peace."
"I've sensed it all along. It's broken my heart."
My throat tightened. I pulled her close and held on, breathing in her familiar scent—wildflowers and warm hearth smoke.
She rubbed gentle circles on my back, then asked if I was hungry.
I nodded. She disappeared into the cooking area.
Moments later, a steaming bowl of herb-seasoned broth with fresh-caught fish appeared before me.
She sat across the table, chin propped in her hand, watching me eat with those knowing amber eyes.
"What's the plan now?"
"Haven't really thought it through." I took a deep drink of the warm broth. "After the winter festival passes, I'll scout the surrounding territories. Perhaps... take on some wandering work? Offer my ward-craft to smaller packs who need it?"
"Mm. You're skilled at what you do. Some pack will want you." Her tone left no room for doubt. "Just don't rush it. Your health comes first. Let your wolf heal."
I nodded.
The broth was warm, spreading from my throat all the way down to my belly.
All these seasons, I had always eaten in haste. Racing to finish territory reports, scrambling to save time for the next crisis. I had never once stopped to taste what my mate's cooking actually tasted like.
Tonight, I did. It tasted like home. Like belonging.
After the meal, I offered to clean the bowls and utensils.
Outside the window, night deepened. The forest glowed with scattered firefly light and distant pack torches blinking on, one cluster after another.
Right about now, the central den was probably still blazing with lantern light. Garrick was probably nursing his ceremonial wine, pitching some "fresh strategy" to Aurora with that practiced smile of his.
But none of that was my burden anymore.
I finished cleaning and walked back to the main room.
That's when my communication stone hummed against my hip.
A message from Aurora. Every word dripped with fury:
"Kael, I'm offering you one final chance to prove your loyalty. Have the Sterlinggate Alliance pact terms delivered to my den by moonrise."
"My tolerance for insubordination has its limits. Do not sever every bond you have with this pack."
"If you refuse, I promise you will carry the weight of that choice for the rest of your days."
I stared at the message etched into the communication stone, the corner of my mouth pulling into something that fell short of amusement.
My claws traced the response runes with deliberate care:
"Alpha Ashthorne, I will carry no regrets."
