[Ryder,when you were focused entirely on the wolf you chose,our pup sensed the trauma and chose to leave the Claim.This may be her final way of commanding me to live for myself for the rest of my cycles.]
Ryder’s ears suddenly roared,and his vision went dark with utter,primal shock.He tightly grasped the report,his fingers shaking uncontrollably.How could this be possible?When had Elara conceived?Why was his Alpha sense so completely blind?
He frantically grabbed the Severance Decree and saw the date:one moon cycle ago.How could he have signed such a life-altering document?
A memory suddenly flashed back—that afternoon a month ago.
“Alpha,I just finalized the new Clan trade pact.This is the contract.You need to secure your authority here.”
Elara had handed him the document.
He had signed it without even a glance,distracted by Lyra’s latest appeal.He had even smiled,saying,“Another quick win,Mate?You are truly efficient.”
In an instant,countless overlooked details slammed into his consciousness.