Marcus’s face stiffened with shock. Anastasia’s expression, however, was filled with warmth as she rushed toward me, wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“Gracie! You’re here! I’m so sorry I couldn’t come get you. You know how our parents are. They wouldn’t allow it.”
Her words carried guilt, but I only shook my head and forced a smile. “I understand. You don’t have to apologize.”
Marcus stepped forward, but there was no joy, no relief. I had imagined this moment so many times—his arms around me, his voice filled with emotion. Instead, he simply said, “You look fine. Not like what you told me in your last letter.”
His words landed like a slap.
My last letter. The one I had sent a year ago, pouring out my pain, my loneliness, my desperation.
He had never written back.
Something was different. I could feel it. Even my wolf sensed it. Our bond—once so strong—felt distant, severed after five years of silence.
“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile so fake it hurt.
Marcus took my bag while Anastasia led me to my room. Everything was exactly as I had left it, untouched by time.
I wanted Marcus to stay, but he didn’t. He left with Anastasia after making sure I was settled.