Chapter 3
1410words
Five days.
I lay in the guest bed, surrounded by unfamiliar sheets and pillows. Nothing felt right—not the room, not the scent, nothing.
Rising, I peered out the window to see Dominic pushing Vivian's wheelchair through the garden. Sunlight bathed them in golden light, creating a picture-perfect scene that stabbed at my heart.
I quickly showered and slipped into a deep blue dress. Today I needed to meet my mentor to finalize my research plan.
In the kitchen, Evelyn prepared breakfast, elegantly stirring oatmeal in a pot. She flashed her perfect smile when she spotted me.
"Good morning, dear," she said, her voice honeyed. "Sleep well?"
"Fine, thanks." I kept it brief, pouring myself a much-needed coffee.
Evelyn ladled oatmeal into a bowl, topping it with blueberries and honey. "Vivian slept wonderfully last night. Says your room has such healing energy."
I swallowed my disgust along with a sip of bitter coffee. "How nice."
"What are your plans today?" she asked, her eyes sharp despite her smile.
"Meeting my mentor," I replied. "Research matters to discuss."
Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "Research is important, but don't forget about the bonding ceremony preparations."
I set down my cup and met her gaze directly. "The ceremony has been postponed three times already, Evelyn. I'm not convinced it'll happen this time either."
Her smile froze, displeasure flashing in her eyes. "There won't be any issues this time, dear. Vivian will recover quickly."
Just then, Dominic and Vivian returned from the garden. Vivian's cheeks glowed with a healthy flush—remarkably robust for someone supposedly so fragile.
"Morning, Aria," she chirped sweetly. "Hope we didn't wake you."
I shook my head and turned to Dominic. He came over and brushed his lips against my forehead. "Morning, babe. What's on your agenda today?"
"Meeting Professor Bennett," I said. "About my research."
Dominic nodded, worry flitting across his features. "Back for dinner?"
"Not sure," I answered. "Might run late."
I wolfed down breakfast, grabbed my bag, and headed out. Dominic walked me to the door. "I'm sorry, Aria. I know this is tough."
I looked into his amber eyes, filled with what seemed like genuine remorse. But apologies had lost their currency.
"In five days," I said quietly, "we'll see if any of this was worth it."
He nodded and kissed my forehead again. "I love you. Always."
I didn't respond, just turned and left. Those words had been repeated so often they'd lost all meaning.
Northern Academy stood in the eastern quarter, its ancient stone buildings exuding scholarly gravitas. I strode through familiar corridors to Professor Bennett's office.
After knocking, I heard whispers inside, followed by hurried footsteps. The door opened to reveal Professor Bennett, his gray hair uncharacteristically disheveled.
"Aria," he said with a forced smile. "Please, come in."
I entered his office and immediately spotted two teacups on the desk—one bearing a faint lipstick mark. A familiar perfume hung in the air.
"Sorry to interrupt," I said. "Seems you had company."
"Oh, just a student," he said vaguely. "Discussing a paper."
I nodded without pressing, but I recognized that perfume—Vivian's signature scent, unique and expensive.
"I'm here to confirm my research plan for the Southern Forest," I said, cutting to the chase. "I've accepted their invitation."
Professor Bennett's eyebrows shot up. "Really? I thought you'd stay for the bonding ceremony."
"Plans change," I said curtly. "I need your recommendation letter."
He fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Of course I'll write it. But Aria, are you certain?"
"Never been more certain," I replied, my voice steel.
Professor Bennett sighed and moved to the window. "You know, long-term separation from destined mates carries risks."
"I'm aware of the risks," I said. "But some things matter more than bonding."
"Like what?" he turned, studying me intently.
"Like respect. Like honesty," I answered. "Like not being treated as someone's backup plan."
He fell silent, guilt flashing across his face. "Did Vivian tell you?"
My heart raced as understanding dawned. "Tell me what?"
Professor Bennett realized his mistake, his face draining of color. "Nothing, I just—"
"You and Vivian," I said slowly. "You're involved?"
He didn't deny it, just collapsed into his chair. "Yes, for several months now. But it's not what you think."
"Then what exactly is it?" I pressed, fighting a wave of nausea.
"She's terrified of losing her brother's attention," he explained. "Since you came along, Dominic's focus shifted to you."
I laughed bitterly. "So she decided to sabotage our bonding ceremony?"
"She just… acts from insecurity," he defended weakly. "She's afraid of abandonment."
"So she slashed her wrists?" I demanded, my voice shaking with rage.
Professor Bennett's eyes widened. "What? She cut her wrists?"
I suddenly realized he knew nothing about it. "Yesterday she supposedly attempted suicide. Now she's 'recovering' in my bedroom."
His face went ashen. "I had no idea… she was with me yesterday…"
"When?" I demanded.
"In the afternoon," he answered. "We met at a café. She seemed perfectly fine—happy, even."
My heart sank. Vivian's performance was even more calculated than I'd imagined.
"She's always been jealous of you," Professor Bennett continued. "Your talent, your status, and especially Dominic's love for you."
I smiled bitterly. "If he truly loved me, he wouldn't keep postponing our bonding ceremony."
"No, you don't understand," he shook his head. "Dominic does love you, but he's also devoted to his sister. He's torn between you, unable to choose."
I stood up, suddenly bone-tired. "Well, he's made his choice, hasn't he?"
Professor Bennett sighed. "Aria, don't give up. Destined mates are rare and precious."
"Precious enough to be repeatedly postponed? Precious enough to be constantly hurt?" I shot back.
He had no answer, just handed me a folder. "Here's my recommendation letter, plus some information about the Southern Forest."
I took the folder, thanking him briefly. At the door, I paused. "Will you tell Vivian about our conversation?"
He hesitated, then shook his head. "No. But Aria, be careful. Vivian isn't nearly as fragile as she pretends to be."
"I know," I said softly. "That's exactly why I'm leaving."
Leaving the academy, I headed to the wolf tribe library. I needed to understand the consequences of long-term separation between destined mates.
The ancient library stood silent and imposing, its bookshelves reaching toward the vaulted ceiling. I found an ancient tome on wolf tribe bonds and began reading.
"If destined mates remain separated without completing their bond, the connection gradually weakens. The initial mark fades and eventually disappears. Both parties experience physical and mental anguish, though this suffering diminishes with time."
I traced the crescent mark on my wrist, imagining it slowly vanishing. For three years it had been part of me, a constant reminder of what could be.
"However," I read on, "should one party find a new mate, the initial mark disappears more rapidly, and the pain subsides more quickly. This phenomenon, known as 'Rebirth,' is rare but well-documented in pack history."
Rebirth. The word sent my pulse racing. Perhaps leaving wasn't just an ending—it could be a beginning.
I closed the book and headed home. Night was falling, and I needed to face the house that no longer felt like mine.
When I returned, voices drifted from the living room. Dominic, Evelyn, and several pack elders sat in solemn discussion.
"Aria," Dominic jumped to his feet when he saw me. "We're discussing the bonding ceremony."
I entered, nodding respectfully to the elders—the decision-makers of the Northern Pack whose word on bonding ceremonies was final.
"We believe," the Chief Elder began, "given Vivian's delicate situation, the bonding ceremony should be postponed again."
The room spun. I gripped the doorframe to steady myself. "Postponed? Again?"
"Just temporarily," Evelyn quickly added. "Once Vivian fully recovers, we'll proceed immediately."
I looked to Dominic, expecting—hoping—he would defend our ceremony. But he just stared at the floor, silent.
I laughed bitterly. "So, what's the new date?"
"We haven't determined yet," the Chief Elder replied. "Perhaps the next full moon."
Another month. Another wait. Another disappointment.
"Aria," Dominic finally spoke, "I know this is difficult, but—"
I cut him off. "It's fine. Vivian is more important."
I turned to leave. Behind me, Dominic seemed about to speak but stopped himself. I knew he wouldn't follow.
He was too confident I'd keep waiting in the same place, forever patient, forever understanding.
But not this time. Never again.
