Nathanie had already taken several strides away when he slowed.
For a second, it seemed like he might come back.
Instead, he half-turned, his expression distant. “You’re a healer, Adriana. It’s not that bad. You can treat it yourself, can’t you?”
Not that bad?
Only moments ago, he had insisted it was serious.
Or maybe seriousness depended on who was hurt.
A quiet laugh almost escaped her. In his world, some wolves bled gold. Others barely registered.
The memory that surfaced next made her throat tighten.
Years ago, during one lazy summer evening in the Alpha manor, she had sliced her finger while cutting fruit in the kitchen. It hadn’t even broken skin properly—just a thin red line across her nail.
Nathanie had reacted as if she’d been gravely wounded.
He had lifted her onto the couch, scolded her for being careless, and insisted on cleaning and wrapping the tiny cut himself. He had hovered for the rest of the night, refusing to let her move.
Back then, she had believed that kind of care meant forever.
Now, standing with a swelling ankle and watching him hesitate over whether she was worth the inconvenience, she felt something inside her quietly fracture.
Her eyes stung. She turned her face away before he could see.
As she shifted her weight, her gaze fell on the edge of his coat—one button missing.
The sight dragged her back to another night.
Just a week ago, the Healing Division had hosted a gathering in a neighboring territory. She had drunk more berry wine than she intended. By the time it ended, the roads were nearly empty, and the transport wolves had long since retired for the night.
After waiting in the cold for what felt like hours, she finally used her communication stone.
“Nathanie,” she had said, her words slightly blurred. “I can’t find a ride. Could you come get me?”
On the other end, she could hear him running—his breathing steady, controlled.
Olivia’s laughter drifted faintly in the background.
“I’m out with Olivia,” he had replied briskly. “It’s late, and I can’t let her return alone. Wait a couple of hours. I’ll escort her back first. If you can’t wait, take whatever transport you find and tell me the cost.”
He hadn’t even paused to consider that she had already said there was no transport available.
Olivia’s safety had been immediate.
Adriana’s had been optional.
In the end, she walked.