Severing the Bond

(Emma's POV)

"Really?!" I leaped out of bed, my voice bubbling with excitement as I clutched the phone tighter.

"Mm." Father's calm reply drifted through the phone, typical of his reserved nature.

"Then why didn't Aunt Liv tell me just now?" I asked, confused why my favorite person hadn't shared such important news.

"Things only just became clear, and I haven't told her yet," Father explained, his voice maintaining that steady, controlled tone he always used.

My mind raced with possibilities. "That's perfect! Father, don't tell Aunt Liv about this yet. Let's give her a surprise when we return home, okay?!"

"Okay," he agreed simply.

"Father, you're the best! I love you so much!" I squealed, bouncing on my mattress.

After Father ended the call, I continued clutching my phone, dancing and singing on my bed. We were going home! Back to the Northern Territory where Aunt Liv would be! No more video calls—we could have real ice cream dates and craft sessions again!

Mid-twirl, a stray thought tugged at my joy. Mother hadn't called in days. Usually, she phoned twice daily—once before school and again at noon.

A pang of guilt hit me. I'd been deliberately avoiding her calls lately, turning my phone off or slipping out early. I'd convinced myself her check-ins were just boring formalities, not real conversations like I had with Aunt Liv.

But deep down, I knew Mother would never let me drift without guidance. She always called, even when I was cold to her. The sudden realization stung.

I stared at my phone, fingers hovering over Mother's contact. Before I could overthink it, I pressed dial.

The phone rang once, twice... My heart raced. What would I say? That I missed her? That I was sorry for ignoring her?

Panic flooded through me. I wasn't ready. I quickly ended the call, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

(Third-person's POV)

Grace Morgan jolted awake in her darkened apartment at the Shadowcrest Residence. The buzzing phone on her nightstand showed 3:17 AM.

Her heart leaped when she saw Emma's name in the missed call notification. A call at this hour could only mean trouble.

Before she could fully process what was happening, the call disconnected. Grace immediately dialed back, her fingers trembling slightly.

Instead of Emma's voice, Martha Wilson answered the Silver Manor landline. "Silver residence," came the housekeeper's familiar, comforting tone.

"Martha, it's Grace. Emma just called me. Is everything alright?" Grace's voice was tight with worry.

There was a brief pause. "Young Miss is fine, Madam. She just overslept and missed her morning activities. Nothing to worry about."

Relief washed over Grace. "She's okay then? Nothing's wrong?"

"Nothing at all," Martha assured her. "Would you like me to wake her so you can speak with her?"

Grace glanced at the clock again. "No, let her sleep. Thank you, Martha."

After ending the call, Grace lay back against her pillows, her heart still racing. Sleep eluded her for the remainder of the night.

Meanwhile, in the Silver Manor, Martha Wilson placed the phone back in its cradle with a troubled expression. She glanced toward Ethan Silver's study where a cream-colored envelope sat untouched on his desk.

The envelope contained the Mate Separation Agreement Grace had prepared, delivered by Martha herself days ago. It remained sealed, unread.

Ethan's phone rang, breaking the pre-dawn silence. "Ethan Silver," he answered crisply.

"Ethan, it's Olivia. I need to speak with you before you leave," came the familiar voice that always seemed to command his immediate attention.

"I'm heading to the airport in twenty minutes," he replied, already reaching for his briefcase.

"Perfect timing then. I'll see you there," Olivia responded before ending the call.

Ethan gathered his belongings, the cream envelope remaining untouched on his desk as he departed—unaware his mate had quietly set the wheels in motion to dissolve their bond.

(Grace's POV)

Life alone suited me better than I expected. Two weeks after moving out of the pack house, the hush of my own apartment felt like a balm rather than a burden.

On this leisurely weekend morning, I savored the simple pleasure of brewing my own tea without worrying about pack protocols or expectations. The gentle knock at my door surprised me.

Sarah Fletcher from next door stood there, carrying steaming baskets that filled the hallway with mouthwatering aromas.

"Good morning, Grace! I hope I'm not disturbing you," she said with a warm smile.

"Not at all," I assured her, stepping aside to welcome her in.

Sarah placed the baskets on my kitchen counter. "Freshly baked pastries and some savory pies. I hope you like them."

The gesture touched me deeply. "Sarah, this is too much. You didn't have to—"

"Nonsense!" she interrupted, waving away my protests. "After what you did for Clara, saving her from that rabid dog... this is nothing."

I smiled, remembering the incident. What Sarah believed was a rabid dog had actually been a stray rogue werewolf that had somehow slipped into human territory. I'd managed to drive it away before it could harm her daughter.

"How is Clara doing?" I asked, genuinely concerned about the little girl.

Sarah's eyes softened. "Much better, thanks to you. She asks about you all the time."

As we chatted over tea, I felt a warmth I hadn't experienced in years—simple human connection without pack politics or expectations.

After Sarah left, I settled at my dining table with the delicious pastries and my research notes. Advanced werewolf healing techniques and bio-regenerative research still fascinated me, even after stepping back from active practice.

My laptop pinged with a notification. "#Timber University Centennial#" had shot to the top of the trending list.

Memories flooded back—white halls, bustling labs, the excitement of discovery. Timber University had been my home for years before I met Ethan.

I scrolled through the list of honorary alumni featured in the centennial celebration—powerful Alphas, groundbreaking healers, pack innovators. Names I once studied alongside.

My pulse quickened with what-ifs. If I hadn't entered the mating bond and stepped away six years ago to fulfill my Luna duties, might my name stand among them today?

Without overthinking, I closed my laptop, locked my door, and drove toward the familiar gates of Timber University.

The campus hadn't changed much, though the corridors of the Timber University Research Complex felt smaller than in my memories. Guests in crisp suits, likely attending Centennial events, wandered toward reception tents.

"Grace?" A quiet but insistent voice called my name.

I turned to find Dominic Hayes, Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, standing near the entrance to the Howling Brew Teahouse just outside campus. My old classmate and former partner in our independent healing clinic looked much the same—steady eyes, calm presence.

"Dominic," I said, genuinely pleased to see him. "What brings you here?"

"Same as you, I imagine. The Centennial." He gestured toward the teahouse. "Have time for a cup?"

Twenty minutes later, we sat beneath the cracked wooden beams of the Howling Brew, the aroma of calming Moonpetal tea surrounding us.

Dominic poured a cup, studying me carefully. "How have you been lately?" he asked, genuine concern etched in his brow.

I lifted the cup, watching my reflection waver on the liquid's surface. "I've been fine, just..." I hesitated, then decided on honesty. "I'm preparing to sever my mating bond."

His eyebrows rose slightly, but his expression remained compassionate. "I'm sorry, Grace. That can't be easy."

"It's been a long time coming," I admitted, surprised by how steady my voice sounded.

"And what's next for you?" he asked gently.

The question hung between us. Years away from the forefront of independent healing practice felt heavy behind me; the medical field had sprinted ahead while I stood still.

"I'm not sure," I confessed. "Everything's changed so much. I've been away too long."

Dominic leaned forward, conviction shining in his eyes. "Grace, Moonstone Remedies needs you. You still hold shares, and honestly, only you have the vision to truly steer it forward. I hope you'll come back to guide us again."