My phone buzzed, a rare message from Christopher lighting up the screen. For once, it wasn't just a curt reply about pack funds. "It's Brittany's birthday today. I'm heading in. Private room a901." six years bound to him, and this was the first time he'd sent me something longer than a sentence. The first time he'd reached out first.

I rode the elevator to the 18th floor, my stomach knotted, and found the private room. Through the door's crack, I saw Christopher hand Brittany a bouquet of lilies of the valley and a delicate box. The pack inside erupted in cheers.

"Chris, lilies aren't even in season. How'd you pull that off?" someone teased.

"You know Chris," another wolf chimed in. "If Brittany wants it, he'd fetch the stars from the sky or the moon from the sea."

"Then why'd you bind with that she-wolf we met earlier?" another asked, blunt. "Everyone knows you came to Ilmaris Town for Brittany's research. That whole thing with her mentor was just a misunderstanding, right? You two still love each other. Why not rekindle it?"

"Yeah, her abusive ex-mate's locked up now, thanks to you. Nothing's standing in your way."

Their words pieced together the puzzle of Christopher and Brittany's past. They'd been mates since high school, the pack's golden pair through college. But when Brittany chose to study in Elthenia and Christopher stayed behind for his healer's training, their ideals clashed. She broke their bond, leaving him behind. After his training, he tracked her down in Elthenia, only to find she'd bound with another wolf. Their fairy-tale love shattered. Back home, his talent made him the youngest senior healer, and a year later, he met me.

I pushed open the door. The round table was laden with steaming dishes, their aromas tempting but useless against my exhaustion-ten hours on a plane, four in a cab, and a rainstorm that left me drained. I had no appetite.

The pack barely noticed me, their chatter flowing from college memories to institute work. Christopher and Brittany's past came up, carefully skirted but impossible to miss. Their love had been fierce, undeniable. I sat there, a ghost at their feast, irrelevant.

When the dinner finally ended, Christopher and I headed to his place in Elthenia, a pristine bachelor apartment assigned by the institute. Everything was spotless, reflecting his cold precision-except for a colorful dreamcatcher hanging at the entrance, out of place with his reserved style.

He handed me new slippers, but my eyes caught a pair of worn women's slippers nearby, their pattern matching the men's pair on his feet. A couple's set.

"I ordered toiletries online; they'll be here soon," he said, polite as ever. "You didn't eat much. I'll make you some noodles."

That was Christopher-courteous, distant. Warmer with his institute pack than with me. I watched him move in the kitchen, then drifted to the dreamcatcher. On its back, embroidered in tiny stitches: "Wishing Christopher sweet dreams always, from Brittany."

I hung it back, my face blank but my chest tight. I'd already decided to let him go, but Seven years of loving him didn't vanish so easily. The ache was stubborn.

Exhausted, I sank onto the living room couch. His phone lit up nearby, and I saw the contact: Britt. six years, and I'd never touched his phone. Today, I couldn't resist. Her message read, "If you'd come for me sooner, would I be the one beside you now?"

The screen dimmed, revealing his wallpaper-a photo of Brittany, ponytail swinging, in a graduation gown. My mate, my chosen one, had kept his ex as his phone's backdrop for six years. That moment burned the truth into me: I was surplus in his world.

The clink of utensils came from the kitchen. I set the phone down, untouched, and walked to the counter as if nothing had happened. Christopher handed me a fork. "Try it. Don't force yourself if it's not good."

I took it, avoiding his eyes. "Can you tell me about you and Brittany?"

He answered calmly. "She was my mate for eight years. We nearly formed a sacred bond. But she wanted to build her life abroad, and I needed to stay home."

His steady voice cracked, just a hint, but I caught it. I stared at my noodles. "That's all?"

He didn't answer.

That night, we lay on opposite sides of the bed, each lost in thought. Then, out of nowhere, he took my hand. I froze. Back home, he'd always flinched at my touch, pulling away like I was venomous. This was the first time he'd reached for me.

I waited for an explanation, for something about today's mess. Instead, he said, "Lauren, I've decided to settle here."

My hand went cold. A year ago, he'd called it a week-long trip. Weeks turned to months, and he never came back. I'd stayed home, tending to his parents, believing he'd return. Now he was choosing Elthenia-not for me.

I knew why he was staying. But I was done fighting for him. "Sounds good," I said softly. "Just take care of yourself. It rains a lot here."

He seemed surprised by my quick agreement. He squeezed my hand. "Lauren, thank you."

I said nothing, closing my eyes. My decision was made: I'd leave alone. I'd told him once I hated the rain here.

Late that night, his phone buzzed relentlessly. I knew it was Brittany. Eventually, he stirred, whispering, "Brittany's ex-mate used to hurt her. She's scared of thunder. I'm going to check on her." As if to reassure me, he added, "I'll be back soon."

I stayed silent, pretending to sleep. But I knew this time, I wouldn't wait for him.

After Christopher left, I lay in a strange bed, in a strange town, in a strange pack's land, staring at the ceiling. Sleep was a lost cause. I dragged myself up, grabbed my charging phone, and booked a 4 a.m. flight back to Cernis-the soonest I could escape Elthenia.

I got out of bed, dried my rain-soaked clothes from earlier, and changed out of the ill-fitting outfit Christopher had bought me. I folded it neatly and left it on the couch. With an hour and a half until takeoff, I glanced around the apartment I'd barely spent four hours in. From my backpack, I pulled out a small, elegant box. Inside was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, worth $540,000. I'd scrimped and saved for years, dipping into half my fixed savings to buy it as our anniversary gift. Now, it was my way of closing the book on this farce of a bond.

I scribbled a note on a piece of paper: Christopher, this is my last gift to you. Goodbye forever. I placed it beside the watch, slung my now-lighter backpack over my shoulder, and shut the door behind me. I didn't look back.

Cabs were scarce at that hour, and I reached Ilmaris Town Airport with just twenty minutes to spare. Unlike my frantic arrival, I was calm now-checking in, boarding, all with steady paws. I'd hoped to return with Christopher. Instead, I came alone, and I was leaving alone.

Before takeoff, I sent him a voice message in Shalorian. "Christopher, you could've been honest with me. No need to hide your heart for six years. I know Brittany's the one you love. I saw her message. I know you're staying in Elthenia for her, and that your phone's wallpaper is her from graduation day. You should've told me sooner. It would've saved us both six years. When you're back, let's head to the family court."

I hit send and leaned back, staring out the window as the plane climbed. six years bound to him flashed through my mind. When I had kidney stone surgery, I was alone. When a student's parent gave me grief, I was alone. When my car got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, phone dead, I was alone. Broken lightbulbs, burst pipes-I fixed them all myself. Why did I ever form this bond?

I gazed at the blue sky and white clouds, then slid off the ring I'd worn for six years and tucked it away.

Ten hours later, the plane touched down in Cernis. I turned on my phone to find one message from Christopher: "We'll talk when I'm back."

I didn't reply. At the airport, I tossed the ring into a trash bin.

Back home, Christopher's parents, Franklin and Linda, were waiting at the gate. They'd cooked a feast, knowing I was returning from Elthenia. Franklin took my bag, while Linda grabbed my hand, peering behind me. "Lauren, where's Chris? Why're you alone?"

I didn't sugarcoat it. "Franklin, Linda, I want to break my bond with Chris."

Their jaws dropped. Linda clutched my hand tighter. "Why? Did he hurt you?"

Under their worried gazes, I spilled everything-Brittany, the slippers, the dreamcatcher, his decision to settle in Elthenia. Franklin and Linda were livid. They urged me to eat, then retreated to their room. I had no appetite, sitting alone on the couch when I overheard Linda on the phone with Christopher.

".Lauren's been with us six years, bending over backward so you could focus on your healer work. She's taken care of your dad and me like we were her own. When your dad's diabetes flared up, she was the one running to get his meds, taking him to checkups, cooking separate meals for him. When I broke my leg last year, she bathed me, changed my clothes, helped me to the bathroom-never complained, not once. I was in that cast for months, and by the time it came off, Lauren had dropped a ton of weight from the stress."

Her voice lowered, sharp. "Don't think I don't know about you and Brittany. She ditched you for her career, and you still chased her to Elthenia, only to find she'd bound with someone else. Now you're ready to settle there for her again? Have you no shame? If you've got any respect left for your parents, you'll get your tail back home, or you can collect our bodies!"

That night, Christopher caught a flight back. He arrived at dawn the next day.

Franklin, Linda, and I sat in the living room, the silence heavy as a storm cloud. After a night to think, his parents had made peace with it. They knew he didn't love me. Holding my hand, their eyes brimmed with guilt. "Lauren, we've held you back for six years," Franklin said. "We can't keep you from the rest of your life. We agree to you breaking the bond. Don't worry-Chris will give you the house, the car, everything, as compensation."

They turned to Christopher. "Talk to Lauren."

We stepped out to the front yard, the dim streetlight stretching our shadows long. He spoke first, voice low. "Brittany's ex-mate was a drunk, abusive wolf. I stayed in Elthenia to keep her safe. As for the wallpaper, I've had it forever. If it bothers you, I'll change it to you."

His words felt like a dodge, like he thought I was making a fuss over nothing. But it's the thousand little things that kill a bond. I looked down, exhausted. "No need. I don't want that."

I met his gaze. "six years, Christopher. If you ever felt even a spark for me, come with me to the family court at dawn."

He hesitated, his jaw tight. Then, from his car nearby, Brittany's voice called out. "Chris! You done talking?"

I looked over. She stepped out, a bandage on her forehead, scratches on her face. Christopher rushed to explain. "Her ex got bailed out yesterday and attacked her again. I couldn't leave her alone in Elthenia, so I brought her back."

I glanced at Brittany, then back at him, and it all clicked. "Nine a.m., family court," I said.

I never imagined breaking our bond with Brittany tagging along. At the family court window, Christopher leaned in, his tone casual. "You sure about this? Once we're unbound, we're done."

He thought I was bluffing, that I couldn't walk away so calmly. Seven years of loving him, and I could read his every look. I met his eyes, steady. "Yeah."

I signed my name-Lauren-quick and clean. He paused, then signed too. Breaking our bond took one hour.

Walking out of the werewolf family court, the thin, weightless bond-breaking certificate in my hand felt like it belonged to another life. Christopher glanced at me. "Where you headed? I'll drive you."

Before I could answer, Brittany strode up. "Chris, I'm not feeling great. Let's head back."

He hesitated, looking at me. I shrugged. "Take her home. I'll grab a cab."

six years bound to him, I'd walked alone. Now, unbound, I didn't need his company. As I turned to go, he grabbed my hand. "Anything else?" I asked.

He faltered. "Take care of yourself."

I nodded, and as he let go, his eyes caught my bare ring finger. He froze. That ring had been on since our engagement, never off, not even in the shower. He opened his mouth, but Brittany cut in. "Lauren, thanks for being so understanding. Chris and I are heading back to Elthenia soon, and we'll bring his parents along. Let's keep things clean and not stay in touch."

I smiled, sharp. "Don't worry, I'm not like you. I don't chase what's already gone." Her jaw dropped as I climbed into a cab without a backward glance.

An hour later, I was home. First, I deleted every trace of Christopher's contact info. Second, I burned our binding ceremony photos. Third, I tossed his clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The house felt emptier, but I felt lighter, like I'd shed a heavy pelt.

I'd always feared losing him. Now that he was gone, I realized my world didn't change much without him. He wasn't vital.

Life went back to normal. Weekdays were school and home. I'd eat with colleagues in the cafeteria or order takeout with my bestie. Without Christopher's parents to care for, weekends were mine-tea with Dad, mahjong with Mom. Unbound, I was free. I could go anywhere, stay out late, delete Ilmaris Town's weather app, and stop obsessively checking my phone for his rare messages. No more agonizing over his scraps of affection or sleepless nights dreaming of his rejection. All the unhappiness tied to him vanished.

Sometimes, mutual friends mentioned him and Brittany in Elthenia. Hearing they weren't together didn't stir me. I'd moved on.

Over the next Seven months, I published papers and earned a top-tier teacher's title. Winter break came, and as I left school, I powered on my phone, swamped with 99+ notifications. The latest was from an unknown number: "It's me."

I looked up. Across the street stood Christopher, leaner, his sharp features colder, untouchable. Our eyes met, and he quickly stubbed out his cigarette. The school gate buzzed with wolf, but he pushed through, stopping in front of me. "Lauren, I regret it."

He looked different yet the same-white shirt, black slacks, icy demeanor. But my heart didn't skip anymore. "Regret what?" I asked, confused.

He held my gaze, voice soft. "Can we rebind?"

I shook my head, firm. "No way. I'm good on my own."

He blinked, surprised, then slipped back into his polished calm, a faint smile like a spring breeze. "How about dinner, then?"

He hadn't changed-always composed, graceful even in defeat. I didn't say no.

He drove a Bentley Bentayga. As I settled into the passenger seat, he leaned over to buckle my seatbelt. I froze. For six years, his aversion to touch kept us strangers despite our bond. Now, Seven months unbound, he was doing this? It felt wrong.

"Thanks," I mumbled, uneasy.

"No need," he said, eyes on the road.

I picked a cheap stew joint near school, expecting him to balk. He was a healer, always fussing about hygiene, avoiding hole-in-the-wall spots. But he didn't complain. We sat by the window, and I ordered my favorites-beef, pork, rabbit. I handed him the menu. "Your turn."

He looked startled, like he expected me to order for him like I used to. He added a few light veggie dishes.

The place was loud, a young couple nearby wiping down their utensils. Then Christopher took my silverware, clumsily rinsing it with teapot water. I stared, shocked. He handed it back, fingertips red, face blank.

"You don't have to do that," I said. "We're barely friends now. Just look out for yourself."

He didn't respond, instead saying, "Lauren, these past Seven months, I've thought a lot. I failed you as a mate. I'm sorry."

I wasn't expecting this. Words caught in my throat. He smiled gently, easing the tension. "No pressure. I turned down the institute's transfer. I'm staying here. My parents prefer it too-Elthenia's too quiet for them. And, honestly, I don't like the rain there either. Neither do you."

I snapped my head up, meeting his eyes-warm, tinged with guilt. I'd told him once, "I hate Ilmaris Town's rain." Yet he stayed there for Brittany, even planned to settle. Now he brought it up, as if it mattered.

The meal tasted bland, over quickly. At the door, he looked at me. "Lauren, as friends, can you unblock me?"

I paused, then said, "Only if you drop the rebinding talk and don't hassle me."

He nodded, a faint smile breaking through. "Deal."

I sighed, pulled out my phone, and unblocked him. His eyes lit up. He offered to drive me home, but I waved him off. Dinner with an ex-mate was enough. I wasn't signing up for more.