“Do not be afraid,my dear.I will be back to reinforce your scent barriers soon,”Ryder reassured her,oblivious to the fact that his eyes had flickered towards Elara,gauging her reaction.
Elara watched quietly.She no longer felt the sharp sting of disappointment,only a cold,clinical understanding.So,this was the truth of the Alpha King’s priorities.
When Lyra was with him,Ryder ignored his comm-link because he knew Elara’s presence wasn't important enough to disrupt their private alliance.But when Lyra was absent,he was terrified of missing a single word from her.After hanging up,Ryder hesitated.
It might have been guilt.Or,it might have been the chilling echo of Elara’s phrase:‘A man who violates the sanctity of the claim is worse than a rogue’.For once,he didn’t rush to leave.
“Return to your Alpha duties,”Elara said first,dismissing him.“Do not let the Pack’s logs pile up.”
Ryder looked relieved,the pressure lifting from his shoulders.“When will you be cleared by the Healers?Send me a chime,and I will personally collect you.”
With that,he left the private Den without even a backward glance.