Chapter 12
The realization hit Adam with the full force of a physical blow. All my strange behavior over the past lunar cycle suddenly made sense.
His Shadow Wolf, usually so perceptive, felt a pang of self-reproach for not seeing it sooner. Benjamin remained silent, his Warrior Wolf brooding, its usual dominance subdued by a profound sense of loss.
Perhaps I’d been planning my escape for over a month.
Had Qiana’s influence been that potent?
The thought, a bitter pill, settled in their stomachs.
As if summoned by their unspoken thoughts, Qiana contacted them.
“Benjamin, Adam, I’m at the celebratory feast. The prepared meal. Where are you both?”
Adam held the communicator, unable to answer. After a long, heavy pause, he said hoarsely, “Qiana, forget the feast. We’ll speak later.” What was the point of a celebratory feast without me?
Benjamin sat staring at his shattered communicator, lost in thought. His Warrior Wolf felt a raw, primal hurt. Suddenly, a familiar realtor appeared with a man in a gray suit.
“Ma’am, this den…” The realtor enthusiastically described the property’s merits, oblivious to the turmoil unfolding before him. He looked surprised seeing Benjamin and Adam.”Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Adam, what are you both doing here? Didn’t you sell the den? Are you…” He glanced around, checking if the belongings had been moved.
“We’re not selling. I’ll purchase it,” Benjamin said without hesitation, his voice firm.
His Warrior Wolf asserted its dominance, a raw command that surprised even himself.
The realtor thought he was hallucinating. He stared, speechless. After a long moment, he asked tentatively, “Mr. Benjamin, are you serious?”
“Completely serious. Let’s sign the contract.” Benjamin’s brow was furrowed, his tone firm.
The realtor’s face lit up.”Of course! Right here. Just sign.”
Benjamin quickly reviewed the contract and signed. Adam didn’t object. Buying the den prevented it from falling into someone else’s hands.
They were close enough; it was just a matter of saying the word to move in. The den held too many memories. If I had moved to the Riverview Mansion with them, this den wouldn’t have mattered. As long as *I* was there. But I was gone.
They didn’t want to lose even the memories. Late into the night, they sat on the floor of the empty den. Everything was gone. Everything that belonged to me was gone. A crushing loneliness enveloped Benjamin and Adam. Their wolves, usually strong and capable, felt a profound vulnerability.
Before, with me, they had endless things to say, always trying to make me happy. Now, only two of them remained. They stared at each other, devoid of the desire to speak. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken grief and regret. The shared bond, strengthened by years of friendship and unspoken feelings, was suddenly fractured, leaving behind only a hollow ache.
