The ensuing days passed like glass, appearing clear on the outside but being brittle and liable to break under the slightest pressure. There was a tense calm among the Silverwind Pack. Political tensions had subsided due to Serafina and Thomas's marriage, the alliance with Nightwind remained intact, and everything seemed stable on the surface.
But the cracks deepened beneath the silence.
Serafina performed her daily tasks as Luna with elegance and accuracy. She accompanied Thomas in reviewing pack tactics, hosting visiting emissaries, and attending court. However, there was only mutual obligation and no warmth between them. They stopped talking about their bond and the mate bond they had both decided to disregard. Their hearts were hollow, but their names were bound.
Thomas had also become more reserved. He spent more time in the war room in the evenings. When Serafina was in his quarters, he stayed out of them, usually citing logistics or training as an excuse. His smiles were now infrequent and only occurred when his father was around.
And Roman...
On the brink of Serafina's world, Roman had turned into a storm.
Their bond burned beneath the surface of every fight and blow during training. Their wolves stirred restlessly, always aware of each other, but they never talked about what they shared—never dared touch outside of battle.
It got more difficult every day.
Once easily dismissed as tension, the pull between them had intensified into a desire that neither of them could ignore. However, they put up with it out of obligation, loyalty, and peace.
Serafina only gave herself permission to be vulnerable when Leah sent a letter sealed with Nightwind's crest. In her chambers, she read it by herself.
My Dearest girl,
You weren't born silent; you were born strong. You should consider whether the world is genuinely seeking peace or control if it demands your happiness as a sacrifice. I am aware of the responsibility. I have carried it. But if I hadn't decided to fight for it, I would never have experienced joy. More and more, I recognize myself in you. Remember that you have fire in your veins.
with all my heart, Leah.
With slightly shaking hands, Serafina closed the letter. Leah had previously been rejected, ostracized, and forced to struggle for a spot in a pack that didn't want her. However, she had come out stronger, more adored, and more respected. Serafina had learned to refer to her mother by bond rather than blood. And now those teachings awoke inside of her.
Serafina went past Thomas in the hallway later that evening. They hesitated for a second.
"We're breaking," she whispered.
Thomas nodded, weary. "I know."
The silence he left behind was heavier than words as he walked past her.
Roman stood by himself at the edge of the training yard in the moonlit courtyard. Although he didn't turn when she got close, his posture changed to show that he was aware of her.
"Are we idiots for acting like this?" Silently, Serafina inquired.
After a long silence, Roman said, "No." "We are warriors attempting to prevent the world from burning down."
However, something—someone—had to break through the deeper cracks.