Relief floods through me, though I can’t explain why. “Thank you.”
As I turn to leave, her voice stops me. “Commander? She seemed different when she left the healers’ compound yesterday. Lighter somehow. I’ve never seen her so…relieved about anything.”
Her words stay with me as I make my way toward the residential quarters, my wolf growing more agitated with each step. Why did she look so relieved? What changed between our confrontation in the forest and her time in the infirmary?
“Seth!”
I turn to find my eldest sister Marina approaching, her long, dark hair braided in the elaborate style that marks her as the wife of a high-ranking noble. At thirty-five, she’s the most intimidating of my siblings, with sharp, green eyes that miss nothing.
“What are you doing skulking around the residential wing?” she demands.
“Looking for someone.”
Her eyebrows arch with interest. “Someone? A woman?”
I shrug, not trusting my voice.
Marina grins like a cat that has caught a mouse. “Oh, this is interesting. Who is she?”
“It’s not what you think.”
“Of course it isn’t.” She falls into step beside me. “You know, you need to settle down soon, Seth. Mother’s been asking about your marriage prospects, and I keep running out of excuses.”
My wolf snarls at the implication. “I’m not interested in settling down.”
Marina rolls her eyes. “You need to find a mate and have children. You’re running around like a loose cannon, and you’ve built a terrible reputation for yourself. The whispers about your conquests are starting to embarrass the family.”
“Mind your own business, Marina.”
Her palm connects with the back of my head in a sharp smack. “Be respectful when you speak to your elders, little brother.”
I rub my scalp, muttering, “Sorry.”
“Better. Look, I know several respectable noble ladies who would be perfect for you. Lady Catherine of House Meridian has excellent bloodlines and impeccable manners.” She adjusts her sleeves with finality. “I’m setting up a meeting for next week. You’d better be there.”
“Marina, I really don’t—”
“No arguments, Seth.” Her voice brooks no disagreement. “You’re twenty-eight years old. It’s time.”
Before I can protest further, she sweeps away down the corridor, her heels clicking against the stone with decisive authority. I watch her go, knowing that arguing with Marina when she has made up her mind is like trying to stop a charging bull with your bare hands.
I shake my head and continue toward the residential wing, my thoughts shifting back to the real reason I’m here. My wolf grows more restless with each step, that inexplicable need to see Selene burning stronger the closer I get to roomforty-seven.
I still don’t understand this compulsion. The mate bond should be satisfied knowing that she is safe and healing. But something about yesterday—her complete indifference to my presence, the way she looked at me like I was nobody—has left me fundamentally off-balance. It goes against everything I know about mate bonds, about the connection that should exist between us whether we want it or not.
I raise my hand to knock on her door, then hesitate. What excuse do I have for being here?
I knock twice and wait.
Silence.
Maybe she’s sleeping. I should leave. But instead, I knock again, harder.
A startled cry comes from inside, followed by a loud crash.
My protective instincts roar to life. I don’t hesitate—I burst through the door, scanning for threats. The main room is empty, but splashing and muffled cursing are coming from the bathroom.
“Selene?” I call out, already moving toward the sound.
