I stood there quietly for a moment,watching them.Briona was the first to notice me.
"Isara..."
She looked startled like a frightened rabbit and immediately tried harder to free herself from Darion's grip.
"Darion,let go of me.Isara’s here..."
But Darion did not react at all.Even with me standing right there,there was not the slightest guilt on his face.
"What are you nervous about?"
He continued holding her arm firmly before turning toward me and speaking calmly.
"Briona's apartment inside the western district had a water pipe burst from unstable moon frost magic.I told her she can stay here for a few days."
I looked at how natural and comfortable Darion appeared and suddenly laughed softly.
"Why not arrange a room for her at one of the grand inns in the central territory?It would be much more comfortable there than staying here."
His brows furrowed immediately.
"I'm not asking for your approval.I'm only informing you.Isara,don't start causing trouble..."
"I don't mind."
I interrupted him before he could continue lecturing me.
"But I've been busy lately,so you'll have to take care of your guest personally."
"Alright,I'm going upstairs.You two continue."
I turned and walked into the pack house,pretending not to notice the confusion flashing briefly across Darion's face.
Once,during a gathering with his pack brothers,one of them became drunk on spirit wine and suddenly asked him:
"Darion,have you truly forgotten Briona?"
That night,we argued terribly after returning home.I kept questioning him about his past with Briona,and all I received in return was three full days of silence.
After that,every matter related to Briona became a thorn in my heart.Even the smallest thing could make me lose control and cling to Darion for answers for hours.
He probably could not understand why I was not creating a scene this time,or why my reaction had changed so completely.
But I understood very clearly.
Arguing and competing for his heart had always been meaningless.Every time I became jealous,Darion only remembered Briona's gentleness even more,and our relationship grew colder afterward.
Besides,I no longer wanted to care anymore.
That night,I felt the bed sink slightly behind me.Darion wrapped his arms around me from behind.
He sighed softly while rubbing circles against my hand with his thumb.
"Isara,I know I've neglected you recently,and I know you've suffered because of it.But you must trust me.There is nothing between Briona and me anymore.We are only old friends now."
I laughed bitterly inside my heart.
How could he speak those words so calmly without feeling ashamed?
If I had not witnessed everything he did for Briona with my own eyes,perhaps I truly would have been foolish enough to believe him.
"Isara,once I return from this journey,we'll live properly together again.No one will stand between us."
Darion whispered softly against my hair.I could not tell whether he was comforting me or trying to convince himself.
I closed my eyes and forced all the painful emotions back down into silence.
The next morning,I was awakened by a call crystal from Keegan Ravenhurst.
The place beside me on the bed was already empty,so I accepted the call.
"Have you finished all the travel paperwork?Should I reserve a sky journey for five days later?"
I silently counted the days in my mind.
"Yes.That timing is fine."
"Have you spoken to Darion about ending the mate bond yet?"
"Not yet.Can you help me contact a lawyer from the Moon Council to prepare the separation agreement?"
He agreed quickly before the call ended.
I pushed open the bedroom door.
Darion,wearing a kitchen apron for the first time in a very long while,was pouring fresh milk into a cup for Briona.The dining table was filled with a rich breakfast feast.
The moment Briona noticed me,she smiled and waved naturally as though she belonged there.
"Isara,come eat.Darion prepared so much food.I've stayed overseas for years.His cooking is what I missed the most."
Then she smiled brightly again.
"Honestly,Isara,I envy you so much.You get to eat meals like this every single day.Darion must prepare all kinds of breakfasts and dinners for you,right?"
The moment those words fell,Darion suddenly stiffened.
Meanwhile,I only smiled quietly and shook my head.
