Chapter 17-How do I break the bond?

Selene pov

Sylvester crossed the room and set down a small paper bag on the table. He pulled out a wrapped pastry and a bottle of water, placing them gently beside me.

“It’s not much, but it’s warm,” he said. “Try to eat something. I don’t want you passing out halfway to the park house.”

I looked at the food, then back at him. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Who told you I’m being nice?” he asked, giving me that same crooked smile that made it hard to tell whether he was joking or being serious. “Don’t flatter yourself, little rabbit.”

I rolled my eyes, the corner of my lips twitching despite the heaviness I felt. “Right. How silly of me to think you care.”

He chuckled and turned toward the door. “Go wash up. I’ll wait downstairs. We leave as soon as you’re ready.”

“Wait…what should I wear?” I asked, glancing down at the clothes from yesterday.

“Leave your door open,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “Someone will bring up some clothes for you.”

I nodded slowly, watching him walk away until his footsteps faded down the hallway.

I left the door slightly ajar, then turned back into the room. My eyes lingered on the window, where the early morning light poured in

Not long after, there was a gentle knock followed by the soft creak of the door being pushed open.

The same young girl from yesterday walked in.Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor, and in her hands was a neatly folded bundle of clothes.

“These are for you,” she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped closer and placed them gently on the edge of the bed.

She gave a small bow..then turned and quietly slipped back out, shutting the door behind her with a soft click.

I walked over to the bed and unfolded the bundle. A soft cream-colored blouse with delicate lacing along the cuffs, and a pair of dark pants made of thick, comfortable fabric.

It was not the royal silks or ornate gowns I had grown used to since becoming Luna…but I liked this better.

Hurrying with my bath, I didn’t let myself get too comfortable, though every muscle in my body begged me to stay just a little longer.

Dressing quickly, I grabbed the paper bag on the bed and took a bite of the pastries tucked inside. They were soft, buttery, and slightly sweet…just enough to settle the uneasy fluttering in my stomach.

Once I was done, I folded the paper bag and set it aside neatly on the dresser.

Pulling the door open, I stepped out, walking down the quiet hallway toward the room by the side, where Sylvester said he would be sleeping.

But the moment I turned the corner and my eyes landed on the door slightly ajar, I froze.

The receptionist from last night…the same one who had given me a look like I was something stuck to her shoe, was pressed against him. Her hands rested on his chest, Sylvester stood still,with his arms crossed as though unfazed, but he didn’t push her away.

I cleared my throat sharply.

Both of them turned instantly.

Sylvester’s expression didn’t change, but the girl jumped back like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

“There you are,” he said smoothly, walking toward me like nothing had happened.

“Ready to go?”

Yes, I am,” I said with a polite smile before turning to leave, ignoring the glares being thrown at me by the receptionist.

“Sorry about that,” Sylvester said as he followed behind me, the amusement in his voice was barely masked.

“The park house is only about an hour from here,” he added. “Shall we?”

Without another word, we both shifted, I tried very hard to ignore how majestic his wolf looked.

Running alongside him ,we got to the park house within an hour.

It was different from Blackthorn Park House…but it was very beautiful and majestic.

Shifting back to my human form just outside the gates, I took a moment to catch my breath. The sight before me took it again.

Impressive, huh?” he said, coming to stand beside me.

“Don’t get too cocky,” I replied, bumping him lightly with my shoulder.

He let out a soft chuckle as I ran my hands through my hair, trying to tame it a little before walking toward the door.

Now,” Sylvester said, raising an eyebrow as I stepped closer , “come and tell me all about what happened. I think I’ve given you enough time, and you definitely owe me an explanation for saving your pretty little life.”

Rolling my eyes, I followed him into the park house, trying not to focus too much on the awe that followed us. People bowed to him respectfully as we passed.

Ignoring them we walked into a quiet room tucked away from the busier parts of the house. It was simple but elegant with clean white walls,and large windows that let in soft, natural light.

He sank into a deep armchair near the window, gesturing casually to the seat beside him.

“Sit,” he said, his tone leaving little room for debate but not entirely unkind.

I hesitated for a moment, then made my way over and sat beside him

So,” he said, turning slightly to face me, one arm draped over the back of his chair. “Let’s start with the obvious…what were you running from, Selene?”

“I’m going to find my friend in Moonshade Park,” I said quietly, my hands tightening around each other in my lap.

Sylvester raised an eyebrow. “Is that the only reason?”

I didn’t answer immediately.

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Why not ask your mate to take you?”

“You know how he is,” I muttered. “He’d never agree. He barely lets me breathe without permission.”

Sylvester’s gaze didn’t soften. “Running away still isn’t smart, Selene.”

I looked away, feeling the sting of shame rise in my chest. “Maybe not. But I couldn’t stay there.

“Can I ask you something, Sylvester?” I said, my voice, hesitant.

He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “You can try.”

I took a breath, steadying myself. “Tell me about the blood bond between Kael and me…”

Sylvester froze, his brows lifting in surprise. “He told you?”

“Not exactly,” I murmured. “I overheard you both talking about it… and he practically confirmed it when I confronted him.”

And I know your family deals with bonds as well,” I said, watching his expression carefully.

Sylvester’s jaw tensed, but he nodded slowly. “We’ve studied them for generations… but even with all that knowledge, there’s not much known about this kind of bond.

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “But I do know one thing for certain…it’s best for you both to stay close.

The repercussions of distance can be… dangerous. Physically and emotionally. For both of you.”

I felt my chest tighten. “So what happens if I just stay away from him?”

His eyes darkened. “That depends. For some, it turns to madness. For others, pain.

He sat up straighter, the weight of what he wasn’t saying pressing into the room like a second presence. “So while I promised not to rat you out to Kael… I need you to understand what kind of problem we’re facing here.

I hesitated, then forced the words out before I could second-guess myself. “Then tell me… how do I break the mating bond?”

Sylvester’s gaze locked onto mine, unreadable. “You want to break it?”