“I understand. I’ll be there as fast as I can. Try to keep Reign cool and hydrated until I arrive.”
[Thank you, Andros. I’m just so worried about him.]
Andros looked at Celes, filled with awkwardness and guilt. Celes nodded, understanding what would come next.
"Go," Celes replied, her voice steady. "He needs you."
“I’m sorry for having to leave suddenly, Celes. I didn’t expect this.”
“It’s okay. Duty comes first. I hope Reign feels better soon.”
Andros' lips tightened into a thin line.
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“There’s no need to worry about that right now. Just focus on Reign.”
"I’ll see you later at home, then?”
Celes did not bother to reply.
Andros left quickly, leaving Celes alone at the table. She continued to eat in silence, her anger simmering. The sight of the empty chair across from her stung deeply, her heart sank as she thought about Szarina, the Luna, and Faelan's heir, whom Andros had claimed to have unrequited love for.
As long as there's Szarina, I will always come second.
The following day, after the anniversary dinner that had only served to deepen the rift between them, Andros attempted to explain his actions to Celes. He told her about Reign’s importance as the heir and the responsibilities he bore as Beta.
Reign, he reminded her, was the next in line to lead the pack. As Beta, Andros's responsibilities extended to ensuring the well-being of the Alpha’s family. He insisted that he could never forgive himself if anything happened to Reign. This explanation was meant to calm Celes, but it only served as a stark reminder of the divides in their priorities and the betrayal she felt. It was clear that his devotion to Szarina and her child took precedence over their own troubled marriage.
In an attempt to soothe her further, Andros reminded her that the first Full Moon of the Lunar Month was approaching—a significant event for the entire pack. Preparations were underway, a fact that had slipped Celes’s mind amidst her immersion in her studies.
"You know, Celes, I was thinking… since everyone will be busy celebrating, how about we take some time for ourselves? I remember how much you’ve always loved watching fireworks. How about we find a quiet spot, just the two of us, and enjoy them together?”
"Fireworks?"
"Yes. Let’s make a little escape from the festivities and enjoy the fireworks like old times.”
Celes nodded. "I'll be there."