Chapter 5

For the next seven days, Raelor truly did not return, just as he had said.

Nevertheless, I still knew exactly where he was. Seraphine’s pack forum was filled with updates.

Aside from attending prenatal guidance sessions, the two of them checked in at various scenic spots, tasted desserts Raelor had once claimed he disliked, and stood side by side watching the sunrise.

I saw a version of Raelor I had never known.

He behaved like an ordinary male wolf. He would smooth her hair back into place, bend to tie her shoes, show not the slightest impatience, and never once carry that air of superiority he always wore.

So it was never that he did not know how to do those things. He simply did not want to do them for me.

With a bitter smile, I shut off my communicator.

The faint warmth still lingering in my chest finally cooled completely.

…

I had not been idle these past few days.

Raelor and I had lived together for years, and there were countless belongings. I spent three full days clearing everything out.

During that time, I also returned once to my old home in the outer territory and told my parents that I would be leaving for the Obsidian Pack’s Nightfall Healing Order. For the next few years, we might not be able to stay in contact.

After hearing this, my father, Brennar Ashwyn, set down the tools in his hands, his brows tightly drawn. "Isn’t your Marking Ceremony with Raelor next week? Leaving now means giving up the position of Luna."

My mother, Elira Ashwyn, held my hand with worry in her eyes. "Freya, think this through. Raelor is the Alpha. If you disappear without a word, he may issue a pack search order. He might even sever ties with you completely."

I understood their concern.

For the past twenty years, my devotion to Raelor had been known throughout the pack. More than once, my parents warned me that Raelor’s ambition outweighed his affection. They told me to leave myself a path of retreat.

Back then, I believed that as long as I did well enough, he would eventually look back at me.

Now, I was the one choosing to let go.

I did not mention Seraphine being marked or carrying a pup. I only said that I wished to pursue higher healing arts.

In the end, my father lowered his head and patted my shoulder. "As long as you don’t regret it."

After returning to the residence, I asked my friend, Lyndra Shadowfen, to help me move the packed belongings.

We made several trips, carrying everything to an abandoned mine pit and throwing it all in. The residence became empty.

Lyndra stood still, staring at the bare walls. She remembered the night Raelor announced he would hold the Marking Ceremony with me. I had dragged her to the bonfire and drank with her until dawn, saying my wish had finally come true.

Now, so soon after, I was preparing to vanish completely.

"Are you serious?" she asked, her face full of worry. "I thought you were just speaking out of anger when you said you were canceling the ceremony. You chased him for twenty years. Now you’re suddenly letting go. What happened?"

I told Lyndra everything that had occurred over the past month: the marking, the pup.

Lyndra kicked at Raelor’s portrait with force. "Ungrateful dirtbag!

"You saved his life more than once. You helped him all these years. And before your Marking Ceremony, he goes and marks another she-wolf? And expects you to accept it? What the hell is he thinking?"

I looked around at the hollowed-out home. Something inside me felt hollow, too.

Five days remained before the marking.

I submitted my resignation letter to the elder in charge of the pack’s Healing Sanctum.

To stay by Raelor’s side, I had once given up the opportunity to study at Obsidian and remained in this remote Silvermoon Pack as an ordinary Healer.

The other Healers were shocked when they heard I was leaving.

"Why so suddenly, Freya?"

"Just a few days ago, you were giving us gifts. Are you planning to focus on being Luna and stop practicing medicine?"

Holding the wooden box that contained my notes, I shook my head. "No. The ceremony has been canceled."

Their mouths fell open in surprise. They tactfully asked no further questions, but the pity in their eyes stung.

By the time I returned to the residence, night had fallen. I pushed the door open.

Raelor and Seraphine were back.