The day passed in tense silence.

At the Alpha Hall, Raiden hovered near the edge of my station several times, clearly wanting to speak. But each time, I kept my gaze fixed on the glowing runes of my ledger.

In the end, he chose to give up. He retreated into his chamber and shut the door.

It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to him. I did. The words even burned in my throat like silver-taint, threatening to spill out.

Still, I held them back because I was already weary of speaking and sparring with him over the she-wolf, Kaia.

What was the point of another clash when he'd already decided whose side he stood on?

By the time the evening meal rolled around, I was too emotionally drained to bother with the pack politeness. I ate alone at the long table, not waiting for him as I once did.

When Raiden finally walked in, shrugging off his mantle and setting his satchel by the door, I barely acknowledged him.

"You didn't wait for me," he remarked, his gaze sweeping over the half-finished bowl of savory stew on the stone table.

I didn't look up. "I wasn't sure you'd return before the stars changed."

His lips tightened, but he said nothing as he pulled out a chair and sat down across from me.

For a while, the only sounds were the scrape of his utensils and the low hum of the birds outside. Finally, he sighed as he set down his meat. "Freya, how long will you give me the silent treatment?"

I shrugged, swirling what remained of my elderberry wine. "Until you figure out why I'm angry."

"That's the issue," he muttered, fingers dragging through his dark hair. "I don't understand why you're making this a whole territorial dispute. Kaia didn't mean to disrespect you."

I set my glass down harder than I meant to. "You always have a defense for her, don't you?"

His gaze sharpened. "That's not fair."

"No, Raiden. What's unfair is having to compete with your ally for your attention. What's unfair is you choosing her side every time she openly disregards me."

He groaned, leaning back in his chair. "This is why I want us to settle things. Let's have lunch tomorrow, just the three of us. You, me and Kaia. I want you to see there's nothing between Kaia and me."

A humorless laugh escaped me as I shook my head. I would rather face a silver blade than share a meal with Kaia.

"Thank you, but no. I have a territorial council during the sun-high."

"Then dinner," he insisted as he leaned forward with his elbows on the table. "There is a new trout lodge I've been meaning to sample. We'll sit down, share a proper meal and talk as packmates should."

"No thanks," I insisted.

He frowned, looking clearly frustrated. "Why not? What's wrong with a feast?"

I pushed my chair back and I stood as I wiped the corner of my lips with a napkin. "Because I have an adverse reaction to river-caught fish."

Raiden's eyes narrowed instantly. "You can't eat the fish?"

"Yes," I lied smoothly while clearing my table. "But don't let me stop you. I'm sure Kaia would be thrilled to accompany the Alpha of Ironwood pack."

His mouth opened to argue, but I didn't give him the chance.

I turned to depart. Before passing the doorway, I gave him a final glimpse. A bitter twist touched my mouth when a realization struck me.

He didn't even know I was lying.

The Alpha I had bound my life and spirit to didn't know one of the most basic truths about me. Or perhaps he did. But he just didn't care enough to remember.

"Freya," Raiden's voice stopped me halfway.

I glanced over my shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "What is it now?"

His gaze was sharp as a claw, his knuckles already white where he gripped the edge of the stone table. "You're being willful as a lone wolf. You know that, don't you?"

I didn't answer. I waited for him to continue, to say something that might mend the tattered bond between us.

Instead, he stood abruptly, shoving his chair back. "Fine. Keep howling at shadows. But don't say I didn't try to call you back."

After that, he stormed out of the dining den without another word.

For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at the space where he'd been. I should've felt relief that he was gone, but all I felt was the bitter sting of his words.

It wasn't until I reached the stone stairs that I noticed something. A faint, enchanted humming reached my ears.

His crystal communicator lay forgotten on the corner. The runes on its surface glowed with a name that made my blood run cold: Kaia.

The message preview shimmered into view. "Can't wait for tomorrow. I've got a surprise for you."

What I hadn't foreseen was running into Raiden and Kaia at the neutral den where I was meeting the Red Moon pack Alpha.

I had come early, hoping to find a quiet place to get ready. My fears were soon calmed by the moon brew scent coming from the rear, till they entered and laughed heartily.

Kaia's hand rested in Raiden's arms. Her flawless smile was more radiant than the overhead moonstone. He laughed at what she whispered as she leaned closer.

I forced myself to remain composed as I gazed at my goblet, but Raiden saw me.

"Freya," he called out. I could hear the surprise and guilt in his voice

I forced myself to keep my face straight. "Alpha Raiden."

Kaia flowed to his side, pulling out a chair at my stone-hewn table. "Do you mind if we join your den-space?"

I wanted to say yes, but they sat down uninvited.

"This little den is charming," Kaia said sweetly. "Do you come here often, Freya?"

"Occasionally," I sharply retorted.

"Are you meeting someone?" Raiden asked, studying me with too much interest.

"Yes, the Red Moon pack Alpha."

"Always working," he smirked. "So dedicated."

I ignored him, checking the time as the moments stretched painfully long. Kaia giggled at her crystal communicator, occasionally showing Raiden something that made him laugh.

"Isn't this adorable?" she cooed, showing a pup wearing tiny fur clothes. "Raiden, we should do this someday, don't you think?"

My jaw clenched, but I refused to react.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Kaia," Raiden replied awkwardly.

She pouted, then smirked at me. "Oh, right. Freya doesn't like pups. Or was it that you can't … "

"That's enough, Kaia," Raiden cut her off sharply.

My future ally, Rowan William, showed up shortly after, providing a much-needed diversion. He was tall, with a friendly handshake that made me feel at ease right away. "Sorry, I'm late," he said.

"No problem." I smiled, grateful for the excuse to shift my attention.

Raiden extended his arm. "Raiden of the Ironwood pack. Freya and I hunt under the same Alpha. Would you mind if I joined your counsel?"

I sent him a warning look, but Rowan nodded courteously, unaware of the tension.

The discussion of territory lines and moon-tithe began, but Raiden kept inserting himself, interrupting with unsought opinions. His presence was a weight in the air, suffocating.

By the time Rowan took his leave, I was fuming. "What was that about?" I snapped.

Raiden feigned innocence. "What do you mean?"

"You had no business being here," I growled.

Kaia smirked. "Relax, Freya. Raiden was just helping. Isn't that what packmates do?"

"Packmates?" I repeated, locking my gaze with hers. "Strange, I scent no bond-of-oath that ties you to this duty."

Her smirk faltered briefly before she turned to Raiden. "Darling, would you fetch us some refreshment? A moon-mint elixir for me."

Raiden hesitated, his eyes darting between us. "Keep the peace, both of you."

The moment he moved toward the server corner, Kaia leaned across the table. All her false sweetness was gone in an instant.

"Let's be honest, Freya," she remarked sternly. "You don't matter. Raiden is mine now. You're just an obstacle."

I refused to show any sign of weakness. "And yet you are the one putting forth such effort to provoke me. It would appear that you are the one who senses a threat."

Kaia's lip twitched. She extended her hand across the table with a fake smile. "A truce, then?"

"I think not." I moved to dismiss her gesture, but she seized the moment.

She grabbed my hand, twisted and threw herself to the ground with a dramatic gasp.

The Moonbrew den fell into a chilling silence, every head turning toward the commotion.

With tears in her eyes, Kaia gripped her wrist. "Why did you push me, Freya?"

My jaw dropped. "I didn't … "

Before I could continue, Raiden dashed back, dropping two goblets onto the table as he crouched beside her.

"Kaia! Are you alright?" he inquired. His voice was full of panic.

She whimpered as she leaned into his compassion. "She simply pushed me. I tried to reconcile with her, but she ... "

The absurdity of the situation left me stunned. The other folks' judgment was oppressive as they glared and murmured.

"What on earth, Freya?" Raiden became enraged.

"She's lying!" I shot back. "You weren't here. You didn't see … "

"I've seen enough!" he interrupted. His glare was piercing through me.

Kaia wiped nonexistent tears from her eyes. "I shouldn't have reached out. I just thought … maybe we could finally move forward."

Raiden's expression darkened. "You've crossed a line this time, Freya. This behavior won't be tolerated in any pack."

My hands trembled as I looked at him, not because of his words, but because of the realization that came over me.

Raiden would trust Kaia no matter what. No matter what deception she spun, no matter what truth I voiced, he had made his choice.

And it wasn't me.

The silence that followed Raiden's words was deafening.

His accusation hung in the air like a gathering storm, thick with an Alpha pressure. It pressed on my lungs until it hurt to breathe.

I stared at him and my heart splintered beneath the weight of a blame I didn't deserve. After everything he had done, every humiliation, every betrayal of our bond, he still saw me as the problem.

I swallowed the howl rising in my throat. "You speak truth, Raiden."

My voice, my body, every shard of me quivered with pain and exhaustion.

"I've crossed the line … so far in loving an Alpha who was never worthy of the bond. I'm done. I want to sever our bond."

When I stated those words, his mouth dropped and his eyes widened. His expression briefly changed from shock to rage.

"Sever the bond?" he spat in disbelief. "You're being ridiculous."

I kept my eyes on him. Even though tears were on the verge of spilling, I was strengthening myself. "I've never been more serious."

Raiden's jaw hardened, his fists clenched at his sides. Without another exchange, he spun and stormed out.

Kaia, who had been observing the turmoil with barely concealed triumph, lingered momentarily. She stepped closer. There was that familiar smug smile playing on her lips.

"Sever the bond?" she purred with feigned compassion. "I suppose it was unavoidable. But don't worry, Freya. I will tend to your Alpha. Better than you ever could."

Her remarks were painful, but I declined to give her the satisfaction of a reply.

Instead, I turned away, fixing my attention on the untouched elixir before me. Its heat had long since dissipated.

Minutes after their departure, I finally gathered my belongings and exited the place.

The evening air brushed my face, but it did nothing to steady the whirlwind inside me. My chest ached relentlessly. Now, the world around me felt blurred and distant.

Raiden's voice echoed in my mind as I crossed the cobbled road. I was too consumed by my own thoughts to notice the deafening roars.

Everything seemed to slow down at that moment.

A swirl of dust blinded my eyes. Instantly, panic surged through my veins.

Yet my body froze, unable to move, as the carriage sped toward me.

But out of nowhere, a firm hand grabbed my arm and yanked me back onto the sidewalk.

I stumbled, my ears filled with the frantic drumming of my heart. When I looked up, I saw a face I recognized.

"Freya. Are you harmed?"

It was Rowan, the leader of the Red Moon pack earlier. His brow was furrowed with concern as he steadied me.

"I … I didn't see it," I stammered.

"You were distracted," he replied. Then he guided me to a nearby bench. "You could've been seriously hurt."

I nodded, the shock leaving my legs useless. My legs felt weak, like newborn wolf-cubs' and I was grateful for his presence as I slumped onto the bench.

He crouched before me. "Allow me to escort you to your den. You're in no condition to be walking around alone."

I wavered, embarrassed by my lapse but too distressed to decline the offer. "I … very well. I thank you."

He directed me to the neighboring location where his carriage was, then helped me inside.

The journey was quiet at first. After a few moments, Rowan glanced my way. "Forgive the intrusion into your affairs, but … what's your relationship with Raiden Thatcher?"

The inquiry caught me off guard. I looked down at my hands, my fingers tightly interlaced. "It's … complicated," I almost whispered.

He nodded. "Alright then. I won't press."

Silence fell between us once more.

As we neared my dwelling, I turned to voice my gratitude. "I appreciate the escort, Rowan. And I apologize again for today's disruptions."

He shook his head, dismissing my apology. "No apology needed, Freya. You held your ground well, especially under those circumstances."

His words were unexpected. For an instant, I felt acknowledged, truly seen, in a way I had not been in cycles.

He stepped out and opened the door for me. "And regarding the pact you proposed earlier," he added with a slight smile. "I have chosen to proceed with your firm's proposal. I sense we will form a formidable alliance."

I froze, caught off guard. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely." His gaze held mine firmly. "My beta will finalize the scrolls tomorrow. I have a feeling we'll be working closely together from now on."