It was no punishment, no exile—only an opportunity. Drelantia lay at the eastern borders, where multiple packs met for trade and diplomacy. It was difficult, but honorable. Anyone who served there well returned with rank and influence.
I had refused it before.
Each time, I gave the same answer.
My life was here.
And once, that had been true.
Lucian had already promised our mating before the pack. Once we were bonded, there would be ceremonies, shared duties, and perhaps pups of our own. I had imagined that future so often that I had shaped my life around it without realizing how much I was giving away.
The High Steward looked up when I entered.
“Have you truly decided against Drelantia?” she asked. “This is the last time I will offer it.”
I stood in silence.
Sunlight slanted through the tall windows, falling across sealed records and rolled parchments. On her desk lay the transfer papers, already prepared.
Two years.
Only two years.
A short time in a wolf’s life.
Yet long enough to change everything.
Lucian had never wanted me to leave. He said mates should not live apart. He said distance weakened bonds. Back then, I thought his words were tender.
Now I saw them clearly.
He wanted me near—only when it suited him.
I suddenly understood how much I had already given up.
I refused distant posts.
I turned down promotions.
I changed my duties to return home early and prepare his meals myself.
I had bent my entire life around him.
And in the end, none of it mattered.
The realization came without tears.
Only stillness.
“I’ll go,” I said.
The High Steward looked surprised, then satisfied. She pushed the parchment forward.
“Everything is ready. You only need to sign.”
I picked up the pen and wrote my name without hesitation.
“You leave on the ninth of next month,” she said.
I counted the days silently.
Less than twenty.
That was enough.
There was much to settle before then, and I had no wish to waste another moment entangled with Lucian Thornfell and Rosalie Winfield.
I would leave on the appointed day.
And on that same day—
I would end everything between the Alpha and his Luna.
As dusk approached, rain began to fall over the pack territory.