For a fleeting moment, Rosalie found herself wondering whether Cassian's concern had truly been for her.
The thought vanished almost as quickly as it came.
No...
He was here because the wolves who had attacked her were all devoted followers of Arabella. If they were judged too harshly, whispers would inevitably spread through every territory, staining Arabella's reputation along with theirs.
Keeping her gaze fixed on the passing forest, she spoke without emotion.
"If you've come to persuade me on Arabella's behalf, don't waste your breath. Those wolves knew exactly what they were doing. They should answer for their actions."
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
Cassian felt an unfamiliar unease settle over him.
After a brief silence, he answered quietly,
"I'm not here because of Arabella."
Rosalie merely gave a faint hum of acknowledgment before falling silent once more, as though nothing else he said mattered.
The rest of the journey passed without another word.
---
They had only just returned to the Alpha Manor, their travel chest still resting untouched near the entrance, when hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
Arabella appeared at the doorway.
Her long hair had been cut short to treat the burns along the side of her face. Pale bandages disappeared beneath the collar of her robe, and her complexion was so colorless that she seemed as though a strong wind might carry her away.
Vanessa supported her carefully as they crossed the threshold.
The moment Cassian saw her sway unsteadily, he instinctively strode forward.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his brows drawing together. "You should still be resting."
Arabella reached for his hand as though seeking comfort.
"I had to come."
Her voice was weak enough to tug at anyone's sympathy.
"I heard what happened to Mrs. Ironclaw." Her eyes slowly turned toward Rosalie, already shimmering with tears. "Those wolves acted because they admired me. I should have guided them better. I never imagined they would hurt someone."
She lowered her head.
"Mrs. Ironclaw... I'm truly sorry. Please allow me to apologize in their place."
Before Rosalie could answer, Cassian spoke first.
"This isn't your responsibility."
His tone carried quiet certainty.
"You've done nothing wrong. Rosalie won't blame you."
Arabella slowly shook her head.
"Whether Mrs. Ironclaw forgives them is entirely her choice."
She looked at Rosalie once more.
"But I still owe her an apology."
Only then did Rosalie lift her eyes.
Her gaze passed over Arabella before settling on the hands she and Cassian still held together.
Cassian seemed to notice it as well.
His fingers stiffened.
For the first time in years, he hesitated, uncertain whether he should withdraw his hand or continue supporting Arabella.
Rosalie looked away before he could decide.
"Lady Arabella," she said evenly, "you are not your followers, and your followers are not you. I don't require an apology from you."
Her voice remained composed.
"But I have no intention of withdrawing the charges. They knowingly harmed another member of the pack, and they will answer for it."
Arabella bit her lip.
"They're still young," she pleaded softly. "Young wolves make foolish mistakes. Please... show them mercy."
Rosalie regarded her quietly.
Then she asked,
"Why are you so determined to protect them?"
A brief silence settled over the room.
Finally, she continued.
"Unless..."
Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"...they acted because you asked them to."
The words struck Arabella like a blow.
The color drained completely from her face.
Before she could answer, Vanessa stepped forward.
"Luna Rosalie," she said firmly, "you were right earlier. Lady Arabella is not responsible for the actions of her followers. She came here only to apologize."
Her expression hardened.
"Please don't accuse her without evidence."
Cassian also frowned.
"Rosalie."
His voice carried quiet disapproval.
"Arabella would never resort to something like that."
Rosalie looked at him for only a heartbeat.
Then she turned away.
Without another word, she climbed the staircase, leaving the three of them standing together in the great hall.
Not long afterward, Cassian personally escorted Arabella back to the neighboring manor.
---
Only when the silence returned did Rosalie realize how hungry she was.
The housekeeper prepared a simple bowl of slow-cooked venison stew, though even after finishing it, she found little satisfaction in the meal.
Cassian had still not returned.
Remembering the property deeds she intended to take with her, Rosalie made her way toward his study.
The room remained exactly as she remembered.
As she searched the shelves, her sleeve brushed against a small wooden bear resting near the edge.
It toppled onto the floor.
The carving split cleanly in half.
Instead of solid wood, countless tiny folded pieces of parchment spilled from its hollow center.
Frowning slightly, Rosalie knelt to gather them.
One unfolded in her hands almost by accident.
Her eyes drifted across the faded ink.
"One hundred and one days since Arabella left."
"The Moon Goddess may pair me with another someday, but it makes little difference. Whoever becomes my mate will never be the one I truly wanted."
Rosalie's breathing caught.
Slowly, she opened another.
"During Mark's mating ceremony, I caught the blessing ribbon."
"When I looked up, Rosalie was standing there smiling at me."
"On impulse, I asked her to accept me."
"I already knew she would never refuse."
"She tried to pretend she felt nothing for me afterward, but it was obvious she had loved me for years."
"Since fate had already made the choice for us... I simply played my part."
