I took a deep breath and summoned a transport.
At the Central Den, I buried myself in pack duties.
I handled my responsibilities while quietly, deliberately passing tasks to others.
This bond was over. I couldn't keep relying on him—or on what we used to be.
He didn't return until nearly the end of the day.
The tension from this morning had vanished. His shoulders were relaxed, his expression light, the ghost of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
When I stepped into his council chamber to deliver my report, I caught it—that familiar, cloying scent clinging to him. Aurora's signature fragrance, sweet and floral, layered over his natural musk.
He flipped through the documents absently, then glanced up. His gaze landed on my bare finger where my bonding mark should have gleamed.
"Why did you conceal your bond mark?"
My voice stayed even. "You didn't want me displaying it. You were worried someone in the pack might notice our connection. So I stopped."
"Is that so?" He nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.