Chapter 4
1045words
"Aria, I need to take Vivian to Northern Lakes for a few days. Doctor says a change of scenery will help her recovery. Sorry to bail on you again, but I'll be back before the bonding ceremony. Love you."
Four days.
I stared at his message, finger hovering over the screen. Clear her mind? Northern Lakes—the very place we'd planned for our honeymoon.
Outside, the moon grew fuller each night. In four days, it would reach completion—the night of our ceremony and now, my departure.
I finally typed: "Have a good time. Take care."
Brief. Proper. Emotionless. Just like our relationship had become.
My phone buzzed again: "Thanks for understanding. You're always so supportive. Love you."
I set down the phone without replying. Love? If this was love, I wanted none of it.
Professor Bennett called last night. He'd spotted Dominic and Vivian at Northern Resort. "They didn't look like siblings," he'd said. "More like lovers."
I didn't confront Dominic's lie or question why his "suicidal" sister was suddenly vacation-ready. Some truths, once spoken, only make you look pathetic.
I traced my fingers over the Southern Forest invitation, feeling strangely calm. My decision was made. No turning back.
I began packing only essentials. New beginnings demand traveling light—past burdens stay behind.
Research notes, herb samples, a few clothes—enough. Gifts and photos from Dominic? Left behind, all of them.
The doorbell's sudden ring interrupted my packing. I approached cautiously, wondering who'd visit at this hour.
I opened the door to find Evelyn—elegant as ever—holding a delicate gift box.
"Dear," she smiled. "Hope I'm not interrupting."
I stepped aside, guard up. "Evelyn. What brings you here?"
"I heard Dominic whisked Vivian off to the lakes," she said, disapproval tinging her voice. "Thought you might want company."
I led her to the living room and poured tea. "I'm fine, but thanks for your concern."
Evelyn perched gracefully, studying me. "You look… different."
"Do I?" I asked softly, unsure what she'd detected.
"More resolute," she observed. "More… independent."
I smiled silently, waiting. Evelyn never made social calls—she always had an agenda.
"I brought this," she slid the gift box toward me. "A traditional bonding ceremony gift."
I opened it to find an exquisite silver chain bearing the Blackwood crest—a proud wolf standing tall.
"Every Blackwood bride receives this," she explained. "It symbolizes our family's acceptance and protection."
I ran my finger over the crest, feeling its cold weight. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
"I know the ceremony's been postponed," Evelyn continued, "but it will happen soon. Vivian's improving."
I met her gaze directly. "If she's improving so well, why the sudden need for a lake vacation?"
Evelyn's expression froze momentarily before she recovered. "Doctor's orders. Change of scenery aids recovery."
"Right," I nodded. "Doctors know best."
My sarcasm hung in the air, but Evelyn ignored it, sipping tea while her eyes never left me.
"Are you packing?" she asked suddenly, eyeing the papers and clothes on the sofa.
"Just organizing research materials," I replied. "Need to sort them properly."
She nodded, apparently satisfied. "I heard Southern Forest is quite interested in your work."
My pulse quickened, but I kept my composure. "They have resources I need."
"Considering their invitation?" she asked bluntly, eyes sharp.
I paused, then opted for honesty. "Yes."
"After the bonding ceremony?" she pressed.
"Perhaps," I answered vaguely. "Depends on several factors."
Evelyn set down her cup, fixing me with her gaze. "Aria, understand this. The Blackwoods need you. Dominic needs you."
"Does he?" I countered. "From where I stand, Vivian seems to be his priority."
Guilt flashed across her face before she masked it. "Sibling bonds and romantic love are different. Dominic loves you—that's not in question."
"Love shows in actions, not words," I said evenly. "His actions speak volumes."
Evelyn sighed, dropping the facade. "Vivian's been dependent on Dominic since their father died. She's terrified of losing his attention."
"So she sabotages our bonding ceremony?" I asked pointedly.
"She's just… insecure," Evelyn defended weakly. "She needs time."
"Three years isn't enough?" My voice trembled slightly with restrained anger.
Evelyn fell silent, speechless.
"I respect family bonds," I continued, "but as his destined mate, I deserve consideration too. If Dominic can't balance both, maybe we weren't meant to be."
She looked startled by my directness. "You're serious."
"Dead serious," I confirmed. "I've waited three years. I'm done waiting."
She rose, smoothing her skirt. "I understand. I'll speak with Dominic—make him see how serious this is."
"Don't bother," I shook my head. "This is between us."
Evelyn hesitated, then nodded. "As you wish. But remember—whatever happens, that necklace is yours. The Blackwoods have accepted you."
I smiled silently and walked her out. As the door closed, exhaustion crashed over me.
That afternoon, I visited the pack library to research separated destined mates.
"Long-term separation of destined mates causes physical and mental anguish. Physical symptoms include fever, chills, and appetite loss; mental symptoms include depression, anxiety, and nightmares. These peak during the first month, then gradually fade."
I couldn't help imagining what awaited me after leaving the North.
Fever. Chills. Nightmares. Would the freedom be worth such pain?
"However," I read on, "finding a new anchor—career, art, or new emotional bonds—significantly reduces suffering. This 'rebirth' serves as self-protection after mate separation."
Rebirth. The word sparked hope. Perhaps leaving wasn't just an ending—but a beginning.
"In rare cases," the final paragraph stated, "if the initial bond was weak or one mate has emotionally withdrawn, the mark fades quickly after separation, leaving virtually no trace."
I closed the book, pondering. If I left, would my mark vanish?
Darkness had fallen when I left the library. On my way home, I stopped at a jewelry store.
The jeweler eyed the exquisite box in his hand uncertainly.
Inside lay a silver wolf head brooch with amber gemstone eyes—the exact shade of Dominic's.
"Miss Silverstone, are you certain you want to part with this?"
"Yes. I don't need it anymore. Please donate it."
I'd commissioned it specially for Dominic to wear at our ceremony, designed to his taste.
"For Mr. Blackwood, wasn't it?" the jeweler asked carefully.
I nodded without elaborating.
"But now… it's unnecessary."
New beginnings demand clean breaks.
