I woke up to the cold side of the bed. Darius was already gone.
It wasn't like him to leave without saying something. Not even a note. Not even a whisper. I sat up, hugging the blanket close as if it could shield me from the emptiness that had crept into the space he used to fill so easily.
I tried not to let my thoughts spiral. Maybe he had early training. Maybe council business. Maybe—
I got up, dressed, and made my way out of our shared room. My wolf had been restless lately, and I couldn't tell if it was the lingering toll of the ritual or something else. Something darker.
The moment I stepped outside, a wind passed me. It was sharp. Different. And something in it twisted my gut.
There was a scent I didn't recognize. It was faint, but distinct. Sweet like crushed berries, with an undercurrent of smoke. Not from Thornridge. Not one of ours.
And it clung to him. To Darius.
I didn't want to believe it. Not at first.
But I followed it.
