I'd already decided I didn't even want the man anymore. A seat in his car was nothing worth fighting over.
I let out a quiet laugh, said nothing, and turned to sit in the back.
The whole ride, Vesper was like a bird that never tired of singing. She nibbled on cakes and snacks, scooping bites with her own spoon and feeding them to Kael. She made no effort to hide the intimacy, and he made no effort to refuse it. They talked about everything and nothing. Every pout, every playful word from her lips earned a slow, indulgent smile at the corner of his mouth.
From start to finish, I didn't spare either of them a single glance. I just cracked the window and watched the cold autumn landscape slide past, the wind slipping in with a faint chill that settled against my skin.
After the car stopped, we'd barely walked a few steps before Vesper wrinkled her brow and whimpered that her heels were hurting her feet. Kael laughed and called her spoiled, but without a moment's hesitation, he steered her toward the nearest boutique. He crouched down himself, trying pair after pair on her feet, checking the give of each sole with careful, gentle hands.
I stood off to one side watching this scene, and a memory surfaced from half a moon ago.
That night, I'd been burning with fever so high my thoughts had gone blurry, my whole body feeling like it had been scorched through. All I'd asked was for him to pour me a glass of water. He hadn't even lifted his head. Just refused, cold as iron.
So this was how stark the difference between people could be. The one held at the heart was treated like a princess. The treatment was never the same.
But once, I had been the one he cradled in his palms.
Back then, I'd tested him on purpose, told him that if he could bring me the red bean cakes from the southern district, I'd consider being with him. The southern district was half the city away from my family's den, and that day a heavy snow was falling. Anyone could see it was an impossible task.
But he said nothing. Just got in the car and left.
Five full hours.
In the end, he pulled the pastry from inside his coat, still warm, and held it out to me. His eyes were completely serious.
Afterward, I wondered countless times: if the love at the beginning had been real, why did it change so fast?
Now I understood.
He hadn't changed. I just hadn't seen clearly before. Hadn't seen his restless nature, hadn't seen what kind of wolf he truly was. A restless wolf never stops for anyone.
I laughed quietly to myself, took the invitation, and walked into the auction hall ahead of them.
The first lot had already opened for bidding by the time Kael arrived with Vesper, fashionably late.
The auction ran alongside the evening feast. The tables were spread with elaborate sweets and fat, glistening seasonal crab, the rich scent of buttered shell filling the warm air. The moment Vesper sat down, she spotted the platter of crab and tugged at Kael's arm, saying she wanted some right now. He gave a helpless smile, straightened her skirt for her, waved off the den attendant's offer to help, and picked up the tools himself, prying the meat and golden roe free bit by careful bit. His movements were practiced and patient. When he was done, he set the plate in front of her. Vesper looked up at him, her eyes full of adoration and dependence.
I just watched it all in silence.
After the crab, she pointed casually at a set of emerald jewelry on the stage. Kael didn't hesitate. He raised his paddle.
"Bidder seventeen. Three hundred million gold moons."
The words fell, and the entire hall went silent before erupting into murmurs. No one dared bid higher. Sharp intakes of breath rippled through the crowd on every side.
Soon the feast entered its intermission. Guests carrying crystal glasses drifted toward our table, eager to make connections. They watched the way Kael doted on Vesper, and naturally assumed she was the lady of the house. "Mrs. Blackthorne" this, "Luna" that, the titles flowing without pause.
Only then did Kael lift his gaze and look at me. A single, flat glance.
"You have the wrong one. She is my mate."
