She had endured so much in her young life.Her original Pack structure fractured when she was young,and she knew the hardship of a broken bloodline.The last thing she wanted for her pup was to inherit the same fragmented life she had.She wanted her heir to grow up secure in a unified and powerful Pack bloodline.But what dominance could she claim now?
After the passage of an hour,the attendant softly transmitted a knock to the chamber door.“Mate Selena,your evening meal is prepared.”
Selena closed her eyes.She cleared her throat and muttered,“Acknowledged.I will emerge shortly.”Then,she went to the purifying chamber to wash the evidence from her face.
She was wiping her face with a soft cloth when she suddenly remembered Kian’s communication.“The tribute…”she whispered.She wondered what token he had claimed for her.
Curious,she went to the storage wardrobe and sought out Kian’s travel case.A faint gasp escaped her lips when she opened the heavy leather.It was a rare,signed ceremonial scroll of a revered Elder,a piece she had often admired for its potent energy.
Selena carefully lifted the scroll and held it close to her chest.Just like that,the raw,debilitating pain she felt earlier slowly subsided.‘At least he remembered something I hold dear.He even remembered to bring me a tribute.’
‘He didn’t forget me entirely,did he?’
The following dawn,Selena woke up on the furs alone.She sat up for a long time,still in a daze.‘He likely spent the night in Lyra’s claimed territory,’she mused.
She released a weary sigh.She should have been mentally prepared for this final rejection long ago.Otherwise,she wouldn't feel this way—like her heart was about to explode,and her rational wolf-mind was spiraling into chaos.
Suddenly,Kian’s scent spiked outside the door,followed by the soft click of the entrance seal.The door swung inward,revealing him,his Alpha gaze fixed on her with a hint of concern.He moved swiftly to the furs and studied her pale face.
“What is wrong,Selena?Are you compromised?”
Selena stared at him in surprise.A surge of fierce joy and fragile hope rose in her heart.She got out of the furs and shook her head.“I am secure.”
Kian frowned.“What happened?Command yourself to reveal the issue.”
‘Reveal the issue?’she inwardly scoffed.‘Should I command him that I do not wish for a Bond Severance?That I do not wish to be rejected?’