He didn't push further. After all, that morning kiss had always been something I insisted upon, a small ritual I treasured. To him, it had never held the same meaning.
He settled into his seat, grabbed a piece of honeyed bread, and took a bite. Then, as if suddenly remembering, he asked, "By the way, which pack was that alliance pact with yesterday? I don't think I ever inquired."
I kept my composure steady. "The Emberstone Pack. Would you like to review the blood oath terms?"
He was quiet for a moment.
Just as cold sweat began to prick at my palms, he laughed and reached over to ruffle my hair with casual affection. "I trust you."
I ducked my head, a sour ache spreading through my chest like slow poison.
I had even secretly hoped that maybe, just this once, he would show some genuine interest in my work for the pack. Ask if there were any concerns with the alliance terms. Any hidden dangers lurking in the fine details.
But reality proved it was just another one-sided dream.
After we finished eating, we climbed into the carriage. His message-sigil crystal pulsed with an incoming call almost immediately.
It was Aurora.
On the other end of the howl-call, her voice trembled with tears, dripping with helplessness. "Fenris, my former mate's pack is gathered outside my lodge quarters, blocking the entrance, threatening me not to proceed with the Bond Dissolution. I don't know what to do."
His expression shifted instantly. He slammed his foot down, and the vehicle shot forward through the night.
He kept his voice low and soothing as he drove. "Don't be frightened. I'm coming to you. Stay inside and don't open the door. Wait for me."
I gripped the seat restraint, my knuckles white. "Fenris, slow down. This is reckless."
Only then did he seem to remember I was sitting beside him. He hit the brakes hard, his tone clipped and decisive. "Find your own way to the den. I have to go—now."
Before I could respond, he was already accelerating again.
The vehicle tore down the road, ignoring every signal as if his own safety meant nothing.
I stood alone on the empty path, discarded like an afterthought, a hollow ache spreading through my chest.
I took a deep breath and summoned a transport.
At the Central Den, I buried myself in pack duties.
I handled my responsibilities while quietly, deliberately passing tasks to others.
This bond was over. I couldn't keep relying on him—or on what we used to be.