I didn't make it far.
The forest swallowed sound, but not presence. My boots slipped on wet leaves as I pushed through the trees, breath tearing out of my chest like it had somewhere better to be. Branches clawed at my arms, my dress snagging like the land itself wanted to drag me back.
I wouldn't let it.
I wouldn't let him.
My wolf paced under my skin, frantic and furious, slamming against the inside of my ribs like she could break free through bone alone. The bond buzzed—too loud, too alive—each step away only tightening the pull.
I hated it.
I hated that after ten years of silence, exile, and survival, the thing that found me wasn't peace or closure—
It was him.
"Cerys."
The sound of my name snapped through the forest.
I froze.
I hadn't heard him say it before. Not like that. Low. Certain. Like it belonged to him.
I turned slowly, heart hammering.
Luca Vale stood a few paces behind me, half-shadowed by pine and moonlight. He hadn't chased me—hadn't needed to. His presence pressed into the space like gravity, unavoidable.
"You shouldn't be here," I said. My voice didn't shake. That felt like a victory.
His eyes didn't leave my face. "You came back."
"For a funeral," I snapped. "Not for you."
A muscle ticked in his jaw. The bond thrummed again, hot and violent, like it enjoyed the argument.
"Running won't help," he said.
I laughed—short and sharp. "Funny. It helped ten years ago."
That landed.
I saw it then. Not guilt. Not regret.
Recognition.
"You were banished," he said carefully. "You weren't executed."
"Congratulations," I shot back. "You all showed restraint."
Silence stretched between us, thick and dangerous. The forest creaked. Somewhere far off, a wolf howled—low, mournful.
Luca took one step closer.
My wolf slammed forward, furious and aching. I curled my fingers into fists, nails biting skin.
"Don't," I warned.
He stopped. Good. Smart.
"You're still bonded," he said quietly.
The words felt like a violation.
"I didn't agree to it," I said. "I didn't even know."
"No one does," he replied. "Not until it wakes."
"Well congratulations again," I said bitterly. "It woke. I hate it."
That—finally—that made something flicker in his eyes. Not amusement. Not arrogance.
Concern.
"I didn't choose this either," he said.
I scoffed. "You chose everything else."
The accusation hung there, heavy as smoke.
"You watched them brand me," I continued, my voice tightening despite myself. "You watched me bleed. You watched my father turn his back. And you did nothing."
His gaze darkened. "If I had—"
"If you had what?" I cut in. "Spoken? Challenged the council? Stood up for me?"
He exhaled slowly. "I wasn't Alpha."
"No," I said. "You were just strong enough to survive staying silent."
That one hurt. I knew it the second it left my mouth.
He stepped back this time, like I'd struck him.
"Leave," I said, seizing the moment. "Before this bond turns into something I regret."
For a long second, I thought he wouldn't.
Then Selene's voice echoed faintly from the clearing, calling his name.
Luca's eyes searched my face one last time—like he was memorizing damage—and then he nodded once.
"You won't be able to stay gone," he said. "Silvercrest doesn't let unfinished things walk away."
"I'm very good at surviving unfinished," I replied.
He turned and disappeared into the trees.
The bond screamed as he left.
I stood there long after the forest swallowed him, chest burning, wolf pacing, heart furious.
My father was dead.
My pack still hated me.
And my fated mate was the Alpha who let me burn.
I came back for a funeral.
Instead, I came back to a war.