THE SILENCE BETWEEN

It had been nearly a week since that night—the night that changed everything and yet seemed to change nothing at all. Since then, Kael hasn't come to see me. Not once. Not even to check if I was still breathing.

At first, I told myself I didn’t care. That I was relieved. That it was a good thing he’d disappeared after saying it was a mistake. But as the days stretched on in endless silence, I started to feel a shift in myself—something subtle but undeniably real. I was stronger. Not just emotionally, but physically. I could feel it in the way my muscles moved, the way my senses sharpened. My skin buzzed with awareness like it was humming with the energy of something old and powerful.

And still, Kael didn’t come.

I paced the length of my room, staring at the window he had sealed with wards, the one where the voice had first whispered my name. The mark on my neck remained faintly warm, as if it remembered the fire of that night more clearly than I did. Shame curled in my gut like a second skin. Not because of what we did, but because he ran. He left me.

And now I was supposed to just sit here? Pretend I was fine?

I had barely sat down when the door creaked open and Rowan strolled in, a wooden bowl of fruit balanced in one hand, his usual crooked smile firmly in place. “Still pacing like a lunatic, I see. Should I be worried?”

I rolled my eyes. “Maybe you should be. This might be the day I finally snap and claw through that window.”

He chuckled and dropped the bowl onto the table. “Before you go full she-wolf, at least eat something. You’re looking less like a threat and more like a dramatic ghost.”

I gave him a glare but took the bowl anyway, picking through the berries and plucking a slice of apple. “Thanks,” I muttered.

Rowan plopped down in the armchair across from me and studied me for a moment. “You’ve been broody lately. Which is saying something, because you’re normally sunshine and bloodlust. Want to tell me what’s going on?”

I avoided his gaze and nibbled the fruit. The silence stretched, but he didn’t push. He just waited, calm and patient like always.

Eventually, I took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with the hem of my sweater. “Something happened. The night... that night, after you left the room. Kael and I—we didn’t mean for it to happen. We fought. Then we... slept together.”

Rowan blinked. And then, to my absolute horror, he burst into laughter.

Not a chuckle. Not a smirk. Full-blown, head-thrown-back, sparkling-eyes laughter.

I stared at him, mouth falling open. “What the hell is so funny?!”

He gasped between peals of laughter. “I’m sorry—I am—but, Maya, did you really think I didn’t know?”

I frowned. “What?”

Rowan wiped tears from his eyes. “Sweetheart, I have enhanced hearing. I’m a wolf. I’m pretty sure the guards stationed outside this building heard you two. The entire damn house did.”

I let out a strangled sound and buried my face in my hands. “I can’t even look at you right now. This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“ It's not worse than being cursed,” he said with his lips folded from a smile.

“ Oh so we're joking about that now?” I said.

He laughed again, though more gently this time.

“Relax. It happens. I mean, I’d be more surprised if something didn’t happen between you two, considering the way you were always glaring and arguing like foreplay.”

I peeked at him between my fingers, mortified. “That wasn’t foreplay.”

He smirked. “Tell that to the part where he marked you.”

I groaned and threw a pillow at him. He caught it effortlessly, still smiling. “It wasn’t like I wanted it to happen,” I said quietly. “It just... did. I wasn’t in control of myself. Something took over.”

Rowan’s expression softened. “That’s the bond. It’s not just about feelings. It’s instinct, too. You two were bound once. That connection doesn’t just vanish because you hate each other.”

I looked down. “Then why did he leave? Why hasn’t he come to see me? He just said it was a mistake and left me there. Like it meant nothing.”

Rowan hesitated. “I can’t tell you for sure. But Kael... he’s complicated. He carries more guilt than anyone I know. If he believes this bond could destroy you—he’ll do everything in his power to distance himself.”

“That’s not fair,” I whispered.

“No, it’s not. But he’s not thinking straight when it comes to you.”

I sighed, shoulders slumping. “Do you think he’ll ever talk to me again?”

Rowan stood and stretched. “I think he’ll talk to me, since you finally opened up. I’ll try to drag something out of him.”

“Thanks,” I said softly. “ Uhm, Rowan. You promised me you'll help me find marta. Are you still going to keep that promise?” I asked hoping he'll say yes.

I couldn't stop thinking about marta since I've been here this past week. I just can't get over the what if's.

I feel so bad for her. I can't believe I just left her on her own.

“ I will, maya. Once I get any information about her I'll let you know. I'll find her for you. You don't have to worry, nothings going to happen to her.” he said, trying his best to reassure me.

“ Thank you very much. I owe you my life” I said calmly.

“ You know you do,” he let out a chuckle.

He started walking toward the door, then paused and grinned over his shoulder. “And Maya?”

“Yeah?”

“If you start screaming again, try not to traumatize the guards. One of them is only seventeen.”

“Rowan!”

He laughed and ducked out before I could throw another pillow.

For the first time in days, I smiled.

But the silence Kael left behind still lingered, thick as smoke, waiting for me to face it.