The storm inside Thomas was much worse than the one outside.
He sat by himself in Silverwind Keep's war chamber, surrounded by recent reports and old scrolls about strangers seen close to the border, fires blazing in the Pines, and rumors of treachery in Whitedawn. But the silent knock that reverberated in his chest day and night—the mounting truth he refused to confront—bothered him more than anything else.
He had promised Serafina something.
His heart, however, was elsewhere.
He gazed at the cold, silver, and elaborate ring on his finger. The emblem of his union with the crown princess of Barduff. By securing peace and uniting their packs, the alliance had prevented war.
However, two souls that had never really belonged had also been bound by it.
Serafina had never held him responsible. She had actually been a more honorable partner than he deserved—courteous, composed, and obedient. But in his presence, her eyes never softened. He never saw her smile. It was purpose, not love, that brought them together.
Then there was Susanna.
He was more uneasy about her presence than any war report. He saw how centuries of secrets and grief were stored in her eyes. The night she wore the silver crest around her neck, a noble's heirloom that gleamed with authority, he had noticed the shift. She was more than a maid. She had never been. She was evolving into something more now.
His resolve broke every time they went by in the hallway.
There was no longer a flicker of the pull between them. Under his skin, there was fire.
But he was still bound by the memory of his vow.
Roman said, "You're restless," as he walked into the room. He folded his arms and leaned against the doorway.
A dry laugh was forced out of Thomas. "Is it really that clear?"
Roman's eyes were piercing. "Guilt is like armor on you. However, who precisely are you attempting to safeguard?
Thomas turned away and stood. "Everyone."
"That's the issue," Roman muttered. "You are safeguarding everyone except yourself."
There was a long pause.
At last, Roman moved away from the door. "Thomas, the world is going to change. When it does, you must be aware of your identity and values. You will be forced to make the decision if you wait too long.
Thomas was still there, shoulders tense, when Roman departed.
He discovered Serafina watching the stars on the tower balcony later that evening.
Without turning, she remarked, "You came for the wind." "Up here, it's always clearer."
For a moment he joined her in silence.
He said, "I promised you something."
Serafina gave him a look. Indeed. I also kept mine. However, Thomas, we were never intended to be each other's emotional carriers. solely each other's obligation.
Something broke inside him, a shackle of shame slipping away.
With a voice hardly audible above a whisper, he confessed, "I think I'm in love with her."
Serafina gave a gentle smile, her eyes glimmering with relief rather than pain. "Then, make sure that love doesn't turn into another broken promise."
Two souls bound by responsibility finally let go beneath the stars.
Deeper inside the keep, Susanna gripped her pendant and muttered a prayer to the ancestors she had never met, asking for bravery and possibly a start.