"Prepare the announcement for the next gathering. Release it after the moon council concludes—we need to minimize unrest among our allied packs. And get me a count of the unclaimed dens under my direct authority."
I listened to him arrange everything with cold efficiency, his Alpha voice carrying that commanding tone I once found so attractive. I said nothing.
Instead, I bent down and picked up the birthday crown from the floor. The one he'd crushed underfoot when he'd risen from his seat.
It was a simple thing made of twisted willow branches and dried flowers, half the petals already crumbling away.
It wasn't that we couldn't afford finer craftsmanship from the pack artisans. Lily had insisted on this one because her daddy had woven it with his own hands last year, during a bonding ritual at her first pack gathering. She'd treasured it like a sacred relic, wearing it even after she'd outgrown its small size.
And just now, Alaric had stepped on it without a second glance.
Something cold and heavy lodged in my chest—like ice water flooding my lungs, pressing against my heart until it ached with each breath.
Alaric ended his mental summons and noticed me holding the ruined crown. Annoyance flickered across his face, his wolf's impatience bleeding into his expression.
"Stop picking up that worthless thing. Our bond may be broken, but I'm not going to leave you with nothing. This den is yours—you and the pup can stay in the outer territory. Lily's used to these grounds anyway."
"I'll also grant you hunting rights to the eastern forest and a share of this season's tribute. Selene Ashvale, learn to be grateful. That's enough for you and the child to survive for the rest of your lives."
"And I appreciate you being sensible about this. No howling fits like before. You've saved me a great deal of trouble with the elders."
His bond with Raven must have pulsed with her call, because the coldness in his eyes melted instantly, replaced by a tenderness I hadn't seen in years. His whole body seemed to lean toward the door, toward her.
"Anyway, the rejection is sealed. I should go."
"Raven just reached out through our new bond—she's frightened by the thunder. You know how sensitive her wolf is to storms. She can't be alone in the main den. If I'm late, she won't sleep all night."
My fingers tightened around the broken crown, the dried petals crumbling further in my grip.