The silence that followed Raiden's words was deafening.
His accusation hung in the air like a gathering storm, thick with an Alpha pressure. It pressed on my lungs until it hurt to breathe.
I stared at him and my heart splintered beneath the weight of a blame I didn't deserve. After everything he had done, every humiliation, every betrayal of our bond, he still saw me as the problem.
I swallowed the howl rising in my throat. "You speak truth, Raiden."
My voice, my body, every shard of me quivered with pain and exhaustion.
"I've crossed the line … so far in loving an Alpha who was never worthy of the bond. I'm done. I want to sever our bond."
When I stated those words, his mouth dropped and his eyes widened. His expression briefly changed from shock to rage.
"Sever the bond?" he spat in disbelief. "You're being ridiculous."
I kept my eyes on him. Even though tears were on the verge of spilling, I was strengthening myself. "I've never been more serious."
Raiden's jaw hardened, his fists clenched at his sides. Without another exchange, he spun and stormed out.
Kaia, who had been observing the turmoil with barely concealed triumph, lingered momentarily. She stepped closer. There was that familiar smug smile playing on her lips.
"Sever the bond?" she purred with feigned compassion. "I suppose it was unavoidable. But don't worry, Freya. I will tend to your Alpha. Better than you ever could."
Her remarks were painful, but I declined to give her the satisfaction of a reply.
Instead, I turned away, fixing my attention on the untouched elixir before me. Its heat had long since dissipated.
Minutes after their departure, I finally gathered my belongings and exited the place.
The evening air brushed my face, but it did nothing to steady the whirlwind inside me. My chest ached relentlessly. Now, the world around me felt blurred and distant.
Raiden's voice echoed in my mind as I crossed the cobbled road. I was too consumed by my own thoughts to notice the deafening roars.
Everything seemed to slow down at that moment.
A swirl of dust blinded my eyes. Instantly, panic surged through my veins.
Yet my body froze, unable to move, as the carriage sped toward me.
But out of nowhere, a firm hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back onto the sidewalk.
I stumbled, my ears filled with the frantic drumming of my heart. When I looked up, I saw a face I recognized.
"Freya. Are you harmed?"
It was Rowan, the leader of the Red Moon pack earlier. His brow was furrowed with concern as he steadied me.
"I … I didn't see it," I stammered.
"You were distracted," he replied. Then he guided me to a nearby bench. "You could've been seriously hurt."
I nodded, the shock leaving my legs useless. My legs felt weak, like newborn wolf-cubs' and I was grateful for his presence as I slumped onto the bench.
He crouched before me. "Allow me to escort you to your den. You're in no condition to be walking around alone."
I wavered, embarrassed by my lapse but too distressed to decline the offer. "I … very well. I thank you."
He directed me to the neighboring location where his carriage was, then helped me inside.
The journey was quiet at first. After a few moments, Rowan glanced my way. "Forgive the intrusion into your affairs, but … what's your relationship with Raiden Thatcher?"
The inquiry caught me off guard. I looked down at my hands, my fingers tightly interlaced. "It's … complicated," I almost whispered.
He nodded. "Alright then. I won't press."
Silence fell between us once more.
As we neared my dwelling, I turned to voice my gratitude. "I appreciate the escort, Rowan. And I apologize again for today's disruptions."
He shook his head, dismissing my apology. "No apology needed, Freya. You held your ground well, especially under those circumstances."
His words were unexpected. For an instant, I felt acknowledged, truly seen, in a way I had not been in cycles.
He stepped out and opened the door for me. "And regarding the pact you proposed earlier," he added with a slight smile. "I have chosen to proceed with your firm's proposal. I sense we will form a formidable alliance."
I froze, caught off guard. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely." His gaze held mine firmly. "My beta will finalize the scrolls tomorrow. I have a feeling we'll be working closely together from now on."
