Chapter 1
675words
Seven days.
This was the deadline they gave me. In seven days, I would either accept the invitation to go south or lose this opportunity forever.
I traced the initial mark on my wrist, the silver crescent-shaped pattern glowing faintly in the moonlight. Three years, and still incomplete.
"Aria, what's on your mind?" Dominic's voice came from behind, warm and deep.
I quickly stuffed the invitation letter into the drawer and turned to face my destined mate. His tall figure blocked the moonlight, his amber eyes heavy with exhaustion.
"Nothing, just thinking about the marking ceremony next week," I smiled, though my heart clenched painfully in my chest.
Dominic stepped closer, his large hand cupping my cheek. His scent enveloped me, familiar and comforting.
"I can't wait any longer," he whispered. "Three years, and finally we can complete our bond."
I leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Did this heart truly belong to me? Or just a small part of it?
"I made dinner," I said, tugging him toward the dining room. "Your favorite roasted venison."
Candlelight flickered across the dinner table. We sat facing each other, sharing our day. These moments had become increasingly rare.
"How's your research going?" Dominic asked, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
I swirled my wine glass, the red liquid dark as blood in the dim light. "Some herbs can only be found in the south, which limits my research."
"After we complete the bond, I'll take you south," he promised. "You can collect any herbs you need."
I smiled without speaking. I'd heard such promises too many times before.
Just then, Dominic's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and his face instantly drained of color.
"It's Vivian," he said urgently. "She's in the hospital."
My heart sank. Vivian again. Always Vivian.
"What happened?" I forced myself to ask, though I already knew the answer.
Dominic shot to his feet, knuckles white around his phone. "She… she cut her wrists. I need to go to her."
I nodded mechanically, watching him hurriedly throw on his coat. A familiar scene, like a recurring nightmare.
"I'm so sorry, Aria," he paused at the doorway, eyes pleading. "I know tonight was important, but…"
"Go," I cut him off, my voice frighteningly calm. "She needs you."
He hesitated, as if wanting to say something more, then simply nodded and rushed out the door.
The door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the empty house. I sat alone at the dinner table, candles still flickering, food growing cold.
I pulled out my phone and called the hospital. "Hello, I'm inquiring about Vivian Blackwood's condition."
"She was just brought in," the nurse replied. "The wounds are superficial, not life-threatening."
I smiled bitterly. Of course the wounds were shallow. Deep enough to draw attention, but not enough to cause real harm.
I returned to the window, pulling out the invitation letter again. The Chief Healer of the Southern Forest had personally invited me to join their research team.
This was the opportunity I'd been dreaming of. But I'd hesitated because of Dominic, because of our incomplete bond.
My fingers traced the gold-embossed lettering. "Deadline: seven days from now." The same day as our marking ceremony.
Fate had a twisted sense of humor.
My phone buzzed with a text from Dominic:
"Vivian is stable but fragile. Need to stay with her tonight. I'm sorry. See you tomorrow. Love you."
I didn't reply. I just stared at the moon hanging outside my window.
Three years ago, when Dominic first asked to postpone our bonding ceremony, I understood and supported him.
Two years ago, at the second postponement, doubts crept in, but I still chose to wait.
And now, the third time. My heart had gone numb.
I walked to my desk and pulled out paper for my reply. My pen hovered over the page for a long moment before I finally wrote:
"Respected Chief Healer, I accept your invitation…"
