Elara forced a bitter smile,her lips dry.She turned on her heel and walked out of the Alpha King’s office.She then remotely uploaded the signed Separation Decree to Sierra’s encrypted server and went back to the keep to pack.She sorted through her sparse clothes,her few human books,and the simple jewelry,placing them into small transport boxes.
But in her heart,there was no sadness,no regret.Just a vast,cold emptiness—the space where the promise of a true bond should have been.
When Ryder finally returned to the main residence,he didn’t immediately notice the lack of her scent markers in the common areas.But after a patrol around the chamber,he realized many of her items were missing from the Pack safe room.
He walked up to Elara,who was folding a cloak,and asked casually,“Why are you packing up your belongings?Are you looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some new pelts?”
Without looking up,she replied calmly,“Everything I possess is old.It’s time for a renewal.”
He gave a careless chuckle.“That’s true.You’ve worked hard for the Pack’s success.You should treat yourself.Buy whatever you want from the human markets.”
Elara didn’t respond,sealing a box with fierce intensity.