I had planned to go straight to the cold-storage vault, but as I passed through the recovery ward, I caught sight of Sylvia Nightfang by accident.

The pack healer stood at his bedside, voice heavy. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nightfang. The crash caused severe damage to your left wrist. I'm afraid you won't be able to race again."

Hazel Ashford was draped over the edge of the bed, sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.

But Sylvia Nightfang coaxed her gently. "Don't cry, sweetheart. When you cry like this, it hurts me."

He let out a quiet sigh. "Racing was always dangerous. You worried about me constantly. I'd actually been thinking about stepping away for a while now. This just moved up the timeline, that's all. Ashford, didn't you always say I neglected you because of racing? Now that I can't compete anymore, I can spend all my time with you."

He paused, his tone softening further. "Our mating anniversary is coming up soon. Let's hold a feast at the Nightfang estate. We'll celebrate properly. How does that sound?"

The indulgence and tenderness in his voice made it unmistakable how much she mattered to him.

Only then did Hazel Ashford's tears turn into a watery smile. She wiped her eyes and, like a child, held out her little finger to hook around his.

"It's a promise."

The scene drove a sharp, wrenching pain through my chest. Somewhere beneath my ribs, something went very still, the way a wolf lies down when it has finally stopped hoping.

I didn't want to watch anymore. I pulled my gaze away, turned, and walked toward the cold-storage vault.

I hadn't gone more than a few steps before Hazel Ashford's voice came from behind me.

I turned back. She was hurrying after me, out of breath.

"Sister, you came to the infirmary and didn't even tell anyone?"

She didn't wait for my answer before continuing, her tone carrying the unmistakable edge of dismissal. "Caelan needs rest these next few days. He shouldn't be seeing visitors. I'm here to take care of him, so there's really no need for you to stay, sister. You should head home."

She smiled, then added as though mentioning it in passing, "Oh, by the way. In two weeks it's our third mating anniversary. He said he wants to hold a feast at the Nightfang estate. You absolutely must come, sister. And don't forget to bring a gift."

I looked at the triumph and challenge glinting in her eyes, and lowered my gaze without speaking.