Draven, too, once crept into my chamber when fever took me. He stayed until moonfall, feeding me broth, distracting me with old tales.
“Luna,” he whispered, brushing my hair back, “even if the pack turns on you, I will not.”
They brought me sunflowers. Alden said they matched my smile. Draven once carved a rune-charm for me, swearing to add to it every cycle we stayed close.
“You will never be alone,” he promised, looping his finger with mine.
But now, they ran to Selene.
She coughed and they wrapped her in furs. She sneezed and they brewed herbs. I lay bruised in the sanctum, heartbroken, bond torn.
No flowers. No charms. No comfort.
Only silence.
I was once their center.
Now I was nothing.
No mindlink calls. No crystal messages. Not even a knock.
I was a closed tale to them. By late light, I decided.
I signed my release parchments myself, ignoring the healer’s concern. I would not wait in another chamber for wolves who would never come.
My travel pack waited at the Moonrest Inn. I left without ceremony, secured passage on the next skybound griffin, even if rushed.
I could not stay.
Not another breath.
My crystal communicator pulsed.
Draven: [Where are you? Why did you leave? You are still hurt. If harm comes to you, do not blame us.]
I did not answer.
Another pulse. Not to another third mindlinked.
Then Alden's name showed.
Alden: [Where are you? Who is the wolf that stayed beside you all night? Is he your mate? Have you betrayed me? You are filth. How long have you been cheating on our bond? You’re shameless. You’ll regret this.]
I read every word calmly. Then I sent one reply.
[Do not worry. You will receive notice of our Moonbond Ceremony soon.]
Without pause, I severed the connection.
The call to gather sounded through the travel grounds. I stood and tightened my grip on my travel seal.
As I stepped onto the skybound griffin, I did not look back.
Because at last, I was bound to begin with my new life.
