Chapter 17

Morning mist cloaked the pack road, my suitcase rumbling over the cobblestones. Oliver walked beside me, his hiking pack slung over one shoulder, glancing back now and then.

"I saw him," he said, voice low. "He was outside your place till three a.m."

My grip tightened on the suitcase handle.

For two weeks, Dominic had been everywhere, a ghost I couldn't shake. Buying bread, I'd see him across the street. Sketching in a café, he'd be at the opposite table. Even at midnight, grabbing water, I'd spot his silent figure by the gate.

A car engine roared, shattering the quiet. A black sedan screeched to a stop, tires skidding. Dominic stepped out, eyes bloodshot, striding toward us.

"Why are you leaving?" His voice was raw, desperate. "Why won't you give me a chance? Why not even a goodbye?"

I sighed. "I thought I already said it."

He grabbed my wrist. "I don't accept it! I know I messed up! Tell me what to do!"

"Let go!" Oliver stepped in, prying his fingers off. "You're hurting her!"

Our shadows tangled in the morning light. Dominic sneered. "Who are you to butt into our bond?"

"Ex-bond," Oliver shot back. "You're unbound. And no matter how much you grovel, you hurt her. Left her in the rain, humiliated her, let others tear into her—"

"Shut up!" Dominic swung a fist, but Oliver dodged.

I laughed, cold and clear. "See? You can't even handle a month of being ignored. I dealt with it for seven years." I opened the car door. "Oliver, let's go."

Dominic stood frozen as the car pulled away. Mist soaked his suit, and when he touched his face, he found tears mixing with the damp.

Three days later, in Terrathis, I was unpacking new paints in a farmhouse when thunder rumbled outside. A summer storm hit hard, rain pouring in sheets.

"He's still out there," Oliver said, drawing the curtains. "Been standing in it for three hours."

My paintbrush snapped in my hand. I walked to the window, peering through the rain. Dominic stood by the fence, drenched, staring at my window.

At midnight, a knock woke me. Oliver stood in the doorway, holding a blanket. "He's burning up, shaking."

I stayed quiet. He nodded, understanding, and took the blanket outside. In the rain, Dominic's lips were purple, but his eyes never left my window.

"Don't keel over here," Oliver said, tossing him the blanket. "Think playing martyr will win her back?"

Dominic staggered closer. "Let me see her…"

Oliver shook him off. "You know she still has nightmares? Screams your name in her sleep."

The words cut Dominic deep. He shouted, "Clara! Give me one chance…"

The door opened. I stood there, phone in hand, dialing the enforcers. When they arrived, Dominic was soaked, rain and tears streaming down his face.

"What'll it take for you to come back?" he asked, eyes red.

I looked at the wolf who'd once been untouchable. "Unless time can rewind," I said softly.

And that was impossible.

As sirens wailed, Dominic's phone rang. His assistant's panicked voice crackled through. "Dominic! Aurora's friend accused you of illegal detention. The enforcers are investigating…"

Rain washed over his pale face. He watched me walk away, and this time, he knew.

I was gone for good.