Chapter 3

The morning sunlight had barely reached the windowsill when I finished packing the last of my research materials.

My suitcase stood quietly in the corner with its zipper securely closed. Six days remained before my departure, and I had tucked the employment offer from the Fenrir Medical Research Institute into the top of my notebook.

I heard faint footsteps and quiet coughing from downstairs. Freya was having another episode.

When I went downstairs, Roland was kneeling in front of the couch. He used one hand to support her back while holding a glass of warm water to her lips with the other.

His movements were so practiced that he seemed to have done this countless times before.

She had changed out of the silver-white wedding dress and was now wearing an oversized shirt. The crescent moon pendant still hung from her collarbone, swaying gently with each breath.

"Aurora." Roland looked up and frowned subconsciously. He then forced himself to relax. "She had another mild fever last night, and her heart rate was unstable. D-Did you sleep well?"

"Not too bad." I poured myself a glass of water and replied indifferently. "The first-aid kit is in the first cupboard on the left on the second floor. It's on the left side of the second shelf."

Roland froze for a moment. In my previous life, at times like this, I would either slam the door in anger or sarcastically remind him, "Don't forget you have a mate at home too."

But this time, I simply set my glass on the table and headed for the kitchen.

"Do you have plans today?" he suddenly asked.

How unusual. He had never cared about my schedule before.

"I'm going to the city hall to submit a few additional documents." I didn't even turn around. "Don't wait for me for dinner."

There was a brief silence behind me before Freya's soft voice broke it. "Aurora, are you really okay with this? Am I bothering you too much?"

"Not at all." I opened the refrigerator and retrieved the nutritional supplement left over from the night before. "Just focus on getting better."

Roland stood up and walked over to me. His familiar scent surrounded me, but it no longer stirred any reaction from the wolf inside me. It was surprisingly still.

"You've really changed lately." He lowered his voice. There was a hint of suspicion in it. "You used to hate it when I brought her home. Now, you seem not to care about anything at all. Why?"

I closed the refrigerator and finally turned to face him.

"What difference does it make?" I asked. "What's the point of caring? Roland, you know exactly where you stand with me."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. He seemed to want to say something, but in the end, he merely reached out to touch my cheek.

I subtly turned away to avoid his touch.

His hand froze in midair.

"I'm going to get changed." I circled around him. "You two enjoy your meal."

As I went upstairs, I heard Freya ask softly, "Is she angry?"

Roland's answer was as confident as ever. "No. She just needs more time to accept things. Once our mate bond status is officially in effect, everything will be fine."

I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it. Suddenly, I found the whole thing rather amusing.

Even now, he still had no idea that the name on the mate registration form wasn't mine at all.

Over the next three days, I canceled everything related to our marking ceremony, including the venue, the officiant, and the invitations to the pack elders.

Every deposit I could get back was refunded to my personal account. I then began clearing away every trace of myself from the manor.

The calming herbal oil Roland had given me, the photos we had taken together, and the crystal wolf statue engraved with both our names were all thrown away by the maids at my instruction.

The only things I intended to take with me were my mom's old notebook, four books on werewolf medicine, and a small suitcase.

I also went to the pack's finance office and revoked the joint authorization on my account with Roland.

The clerk asked me three times if I truly understood what this meant. In the pack, hardly any shewolf would willingly give up everything she might one day be entitled to as the future Luna.

I took only the portion of my earnings from my part-time work at the research institute. I didn't touch a single cent of Roland's money.

With only three days left before my departure, I happily looked over my employment offer again.

Right then, Roland knocked on my bedroom door, forcing me to put it away reluctantly.

"You've been unusually quiet lately." He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

"Isn't that what you wanted?" I asked.

He choked on his response while looking slightly annoyed. With a frown, he said, "Forget it. The pack's full moon banquet is the day after tomorrow. The elders specifically said the Alpha's mate must attend. You're coming with me."

I looked up at him and asked, "Why?"

"Because you're my mate." His tone was matter-of-fact. "Our relationship needs to be made public. There are already rumors going around the pack that you're deliberately distancing yourself from me. Come with me and show everyone that everything is still on track."

I was about to refuse when the bedroom door was gently pushed open.

Freya stood in the doorway. She was now in a pale silver evening gown. She slowly turned around.

"Roland, do I look good?" she asked softly.

"You're gorgeous." His gaze softened.

Freya then turned to face me. Her eyes were filled with just the right amount of hurt. "Aurora, won't you please come to the banquet? Is it because you hate me that you don't want to attend it?"

Her words left no room for objection. If I refused, I would only prove her point that I hated her and was being petty.

I remained silent for two seconds before finally nodding.