Kael
The courtyard was quiet at this hour.
My wolves moved efficiently in the gentle light of the moon, and it was unfortunate how quite they were. My solemness had infected them, and I had never intended for that to happen.
It was a silly wish, but it would be absurd if they couldn't feel it either.
These wolves had served me for years. They could sense their ruler was wounded.
They at least gave me space the way a pack gives space to a bleeding Alpha. Present, watchful, and careful not to look too directly at the injury.
My breath clouded in the air as I overlooked the preparations. Even with the fading snow, it was still cold.
I wondered if the cold is part of why the ache in my chest had not lessened.
It should have dulled by now. It had been hours since she spoke those words, since the warmth that had lived beside my heartbeat for months went quiet and cold.
There was no rejection sickness. Neither was there any physical deterioration.
