When Cassian finally answered his mother’s mindlink, his voice was low and impatient. He said he could not leave yet. Odette had not awakened, and he needed to remain by her side.
The room fell silent.
One aunt lowered her cup. Another looked away. Stacey’s fingers tightened against the table.
Everyone looked at me.
I only smiled.
“I’m due at the Alpha Hall,” I said as I rose. “You may wait for him here.”
I picked up my cloak and left.
The day passed in a blur of Luna duties—reports, patrol records, disputes among pack members. I buried myself in work until sunset stretched long shadows across the hall.
Cassian never returned.
Strangely, I felt no anger.
No disappointment.
Only relief.
Because this… was exactly what I had expected.
His family did not leave until close to midnight.