“What are you doing here?” Talon opened the door himself, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. “When did you get back? Why didn’t you let me know?” His voice softened as he took my hands in his, warming them between his palms. “It’s such a heavy snow. Aren’t you cold?”

I gave him a small smile, pulling my hands away to place the steaming bowl of broth on the table. “I brought you some hot soup,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “I didn’t realize you had guests. I’ll leave you to your gathering.” I dipped my head slightly in a gesture of respect and turned to leave.

“Wait.” Talon’s voice stopped me in my tracks. He reached for the leather jacket hanging by the door and draped it over my shoulders. “Go back to the packhouse and wait for me, alright?” His eyes gleamed with something warm, almost tender, like stars hidden in the night sky.

I nodded, keeping my gaze down. “Alright,” I murmured, my voice barely audible. I stepped out into the snow, the jacket wrapping me in its warmth. The cold night air bit at my cheeks, but inside, I felt a strange, lingering heat—like the remnants of a fire I couldn’t quite extinguish.

But it didn’t last. Less than fifteen minutes later, the window of the room opened. The bowl of broth I’d spent weeks perfecting, the one I’d carried through the snow to bring him, was unceremoniously dumped into the icy night. The sound of it hitting the snow was muffled, but the act itself cut deeper than any words could.

I stood there, the jacket suddenly feeling heavier, as if it carried the weight of everything unsaid. The warmth it had provided moments ago now felt like a cruel illusion. I turned away, the snow crunching under my boots, and disappeared into the night.

Back at the Southern Pack’s estate, Adelynn burst into tears the moment she removed my socks.

“Luna, how did you let yourself end up like this?” she cried, her voice trembling. “Why are there so many injuries on your feet? And your knees—did someone harm you? Who dares to lay a hand on you! You must tell the Beta, he’ll—”

I shook my head, cutting her off.

Adelynn fell silent.

She knew.

Talon let the pack members in the house call me “Luna,” but he had never officially acknowledged me as his mate. How could I expect him to stand up for me?

“I’ll rest for a while,” I said, pulling off my jacket. “Wake me when the Beta returns.”

“Yes, Luna.”

I lay down, and Adelynn quietly fetched the first aid kit, gently applying ointment to my wounds.

My mind drifted back to that time when I had a high fever.

The young warrior, his eyes red with worry, had been frantic. He brought me water over and over, wiping my body with a damp cloth.

“If you die, you die!” he had snapped, his voice thick with fear. “I’ll sell your house, your herbs, and live a carefree life! No one will remember you!”

But moments later, he had broken down, clutching me tightly as he sobbed, “Skyla, don’t die. If you die, what will I do? I’ll have to follow you to the underworld!”

After that, he had been adamant about becoming my mate.

“Look at me—I don’t have a single mark of another mate. I couldn’t have been mated before! Even if I remember my past, what good would that do? Skyla, no matter who I am, no matter who you are, I’ll never take anyone else as my mate in this lifetime.”

There was a faint noise outside the room.

Adelynn quickly lit a lamp and went to check. She returned moments later.

“Is he back?” I asked, sitting up.

Adelynn avoided my gaze. “The Beta… he went to see Princess Briella.”

She hesitated, clearly struggling with what to say next. Finally, she spoke softly, “Luna… The Beta and Princess Briella… they’ve set a date for their marking ceremony.”

“Luna, please don’t be upset.”

Adelynn’s voice was urgent as she grasped my hand, her eyes filled with worry.

“The Beta simply forgot the bond between you two!”

“Didn’t you find the rare herb this time?”

“Once he remembers everything…”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

But the laughter soon turned into tears, and Adelynn’s eyes welled up alongside mine.

How could I have not thought the same way before tonight?

He just didn’t remember.

He didn’t remember the depth of our connection.

He didn’t remember the vows we once shared.

That’s why he fell for Briella at first scent, eager to make her his mate.

So I risked everything, venturing into the snow-covered mountains to retrieve the legendary herb said to heal any ailment.

Before I left, I pleaded with him…

Wait for me to return before deciding on the mark ceremony.

But it was all a lie.

“When is the marking ceremony?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“The eighth of next month.”

In just half a month.

No wonder they were talking about “impending celebrations.”

I wiped away my tears.

“Adelynn, I’m hungry. I’d like some of your soup.”

“Of course, Luna, I’ll make it right away!”

As soon as Adelynn left, the room turned cold and silent.

I stared out the window at the swirling snowstorm, pulling a letter from my pocket.

“We’ll arrive in Southville in two weeks at the latest!”

But it was too late.

My mate, the one I once knew, was gone.

And there was no reason for me to stay here any longer.

I stood up and walked to the desk.

“Gamma, proceed as planned. I’ll await your message.”