That memory-crystal held years of their bond together—captured moments from their first courtship run, images from their travels through allied territories, the howl-song he'd recorded for her during her first moon-fever. She used to treat it like a sacred treasure, keeping it tucked in the innermost pocket of her satchel, barely letting anyone else touch it. And now she'd tossed it away like refuse.
Before he could say another word, her hands moved again. She slid the mate-promise ring from her finger, held it between her fingertips for a moment, then let go. It landed in the basket with a soft clink, settling beside the memory-crystal.
Her voice was flat, utterly without inflection, as though she were remarking on the weather. "Nothing important. I just realized Selene had a point—useless garbage belongs in the trash."
She turned and walked out without sparing either of them another glance, heading straight for the healer's administrative quarters. Clearly, she intended to release herself from their care.