The moment Cyris left for the meeting, the room felt… different.
Quieter.
But not empty.
Because I could still feel him.
At first, I didn't move. I just sat there, trying to understand everything that had happened—this bond, the mark, the way his presence lingered inside me even when he wasn't here.
It was overwhelming.
But I couldn't stay in bed forever.
Slowly, I stood up.
My body still felt weak, but stronger than before. Manageable. I made my way to the bathroom, taking my time, steadying myself against the wall when needed. The warm water helped. It cleared my head a little, washed away the heaviness that had clung to me since I woke up.
When I came out, I didn't reach for anything unfamiliar.
Instead, I picked one of his shirts.
It was big on me.
Soft.
And carried his scent.
For a second, I hesitated.
Then I wore it anyway.
It fell loosely over my body, the sleeves slightly long, the fabric brushing against my thighs. I exhaled slowly, not sure why it made me feel… calmer.
I stepped back into the room and looked around properly for the first time.
Cyris' room was nothing like I expected.
It was… controlled.
Elegant.
Powerful.
The walls were painted in deep shades of grey and black, blending perfectly without making the space feel dark. Everything was arranged with precision—nothing out of place, nothing unnecessary.
The bed was large, far larger than needed, dressed in dark fabrics that matched the room's tone, yet still looked soft enough to sink into. The furniture was sleek, expensive, each piece carefully chosen.
But what caught my attention the most—
Was the ceiling.
It looked like clouds.
Not painted in a simple way, but designed—layered, soft, almost real. Like a quiet sky frozen above the room. It gave the space a strange balance, softening the sharp edges of everything else.
Luxury.
But not loud.
Not showy.
Just… powerful.
Like him.
A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts before the door opened slightly.
"Miss," one of the maids said gently.
I turned.
They walked in carefully, placing breakfast on a table near the window.
"Alpha requested you eat," she added respectfully.
I nodded slowly.
"Thank you."
They left just as quietly as they came.
I sat down, staring at the food for a moment before taking a bite.
I hadn't realized how hungry I was.
But even as I ate—
I felt it.
Him.
Faint at first.
Then clearer.
Anger.
Sharp.
Controlled.
Then—
Something softer.
Warm.
Protective.
My hand paused mid-air.
"…Cyris," I whispered unconsciously.
The emotions shifted again.
Like whatever was happening wherever he was—
Wasn't easy.
"I think the meeting is hard on him…" I murmured to myself.
The thought didn't feel like a guess.
It felt… known.
Time passed slowly after that.
Too slowly.
Morning faded into afternoon.
And he still hadn't returned.
I tried not to think about it.
Tried to stay calm.
But the bond didn't help.
Because I could still feel him.
And it wasn't steady.
It moved.
Shifted.
Like he was holding something back.
The pack doctor came by later, checking on me briefly, asking a few questions, making sure I was stable. I answered, barely paying attention before he left again.
Another meal was brought.
I ate.
But not because I wanted to.
Only because I knew I had to.
By noon—
He still hadn't come back.
And this time—
I couldn't ignore it anymore.
Because what I felt through the bond—
Wasn't just tension.
It was pressure.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
My chest tightened.
"…Why isn't he back yet?" I whispered.
No answer.
Just the bond.
And the growing feeling—
That something wasn't right.