She'd posted images—a full spread of dishes that carried the unmistakable essence of Kael's cooking, the same recipes he'd learned from the Ironclaw kitchens.
I reached for him through our bond. Again and again, the connection went cold, deliberately blocked.
Then a message flickered across the pack-link. From Kael.
My moon, just finished the council session. Bringing home all your favorites. Be there within the hour.
I stared at the moon dial on the wall, counting every slow rotation of its silver hand.
An hour later, the ward-stones at our den entrance hummed with recognition.
"Selene, come eat! Got everything you crave."
The moment I saw those containers—not a trace of warmth left in them, the scent of the food already stale and cooled—
Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them.
"Selene, is the pup giving you trouble? Just hold on a little longer, alright?"
He crouched down, gently massaging my swollen ankles with careful hands, his touch still familiar despite everything.
"It's all your favorites. Got delayed on the way though—a few territory disputes needed my attention through the pack-link."
"Wait here. Let me warm these up."