(Audrey's POV)
The morning sunlight streamed through my curtains, painting golden patterns across my living room floor. Arthur carefully folded the blanket he'd used on my couch, his movements precise and methodical as always. I watched him from the kitchen doorway, clutching my mug of tea.
"I have to go," he said, reaching for his jacket. "Alpha Council meeting this morning."
I nodded, gathering my courage. "Before you leave, can we discuss our mate bond severance? After what happened yesterday—"
"Not now, Audrey," he cut me off, shrugging into his jacket with practiced ease. "The council is expecting me."
Before I could press further, he was at the door, his hand already on the knob. "I'll call you later."
The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving me standing alone in my kitchen, words unsaid hanging heavy in the air. His abrupt departure felt calculated—another way to avoid discussing our relationship.
My phone buzzed on the counter. Sarah's name flashed across th
