Aria’s POV

My wolf nudged my chest, urging honesty. I nodded.

"Of course I will."

"Not that kind of missing..." he mumbled, nose brushing my throat.

I swatted him lightly, trying to create space, even though my chest ached with confusion. "Everyone will miss you, Rowland."

His hand shot out, gripping my wrist, gentle but insistent, his thumb tracing the vein there like he could feel my pulse.

"You know what I mean, Aria" he said, his eyes dark. "Can’t you at least pretend to humor me?"

His plea tugged at something deep inside me.

I looked away. My voice was barely steady.

"If you’re leaving this afternoon, you should go pack. I’ll... go to dinner. They’re waiting."

"Aria!" My name came out as a growl, a frustrated, aching sound that made my wolf whine.

I slipped out of the car, patting Rowland’s shoulder as if that could soothe anything. Maybe if we didn’t look at each other, we could pretend none of this mattered.

Maybe if we pretended, we wouldn’t break.

He didn’t stop me.

"See you next time."

My voice sounded steadier than I felt, like I’d wrapped steel around trembling bones. I paused with one foot outside the car.

Don’t look back, I told myself.

I looked back.

Rowland sat in the backseat, his eyes locked on me like he was memorizing every detail. My chest tightened. My wolf howled silently within me.

I forced a small smile. Then I walked away.

My boots clicked against the pavement, each step feeling heavier, like the ground tugged at my ankles. I kept going. The wind carried Rowland’s scent until it was just a memory burning in my lungs.

The engine of a car hummed behind me, wheels crunching over gravel. My wolf whined, turning in restless circles inside me. That was the sound of Rowland leaving. I turned and watched it.

Only when the car disappeared around the corner did I realize my hands were shaking. I drew a breath, grounding myself in the scents of my friends, Chloe, Amelia, Jonathan and Williams.

"What’s up?" Chloe asked, leaning close to me. Her black lipstick and spiked choker contrasted with the worry in her bright eyes.

"Rowland’s headed back to Veridale," I murmured. The words felt like pebbles dropping off a cliff inside my chest. The chatter around us froze, the air thick with unsaid things.

Jonathan’s voice was soft, low, like a lullaby from an older wolf. "He is an Alpha that comes from a prominent family. It’s only natural he has responsibilities. He can’t stay here forever."

Responsibilities. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

The word tasted bitter, like duty, like goodbye.

Williams shrugged, trying to lighten the air. "It’s not like we’ll never see him again, right?"

Amelia stepped closer, nudging my shoulder with hers. "Come on, Aria. Let’s go eat before Chloe threatens the waiter again."

I huffed a small laugh and leaned into Amelia’s touch, grateful but still wounded. I nodded and forced a smile.

Nathan’s POV

My Maybach idled at the curb, engine a low purr beneath us. Collins drummed idle fingers against the wheel.

"Alpha Nathan, should we... follow them?" he asked, trying to sound casual. His eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror, stealing a look at me.

My gaze stayed fixed on the sidewalk where Aria had disappeared. My wolf paced, restless, claws scraping the inside of my skin.

"No," I exhaled, pushing the car door open. "Just find a place to eat., I will go alone."

Collins blinked, stunned. Before he could reply, I stepped out. The crisp evening air hit me

I followed her.

The music restaurant was warm, the scent of food filled the air, mixing with scents of wolves. My eyes adjusted quickly. I spotted them right away, Aria and her friends.

Chloe claimed a window seat, loud and lively as always. The others hovered, their bodies stiffening as I approached.

I stopped a few steps away from them.

Aria’s voice cut through the quiet. "What are you all staring at..."

She followed their gaze and froze.

Her eyes met mine.

My lungs forgot how to work. The world dropped away, leaving only those eyes, light like crystal.

I swallowed the ache in my chest when her gaze turned cold. It was my fault. My wolf lowered his head, ears flat.

She didn’t tell me to leave, she didn’t welcome me either. She just watched.

"I came here to find you," I said, my voice calm and steady.

Aria’s brows drew together, confusion laced with exhaustion.

"Clarence’s whereabouts are still unknown," I continued. "After you left," I forced the words out, "I brought Patrick’s witnesses to the Hemsworth Group. It... might be of use to you."

"Are you planning to share this with us, Alpha Nathan?" Amelia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.