Chapter 5
873words
Three days.
Just three days until the bonding ceremony—and three days until my departure. He knew nothing of my plans, yet something unsettled him deeply.
"What's on your mind, brother?" Vivian's voice floated from behind, honey-sweet.
Dominic kept his eyes on the water. "Just thinking about the bonding ceremony."
Vivian sidled up beside him, slipping her arm through his. "Worried Aria might be upset we came here?"
"She says she understands," Dominic replied, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "But she seems… different lately."
"Different how?" Vivian asked, suddenly alert.
"More… independent. More distant," he frowned. "Like she's made some decision without me."
Vivian laughed lightly. "You're overthinking. Aria's always been independent—it's who she is."
Dominic nodded, but his unease persisted. He pulled out his phone and stared at my picture. I was smiling, but something in my eyes now seemed unreadable to him.
"Did you text her?" Vivian asked, displeasure edging her voice.
"Last night," he replied. "No response."
Dominic trailed after her, anxiety mounting. "Maybe I should head back and check on her."
"What?" Vivian stopped dead, whirling to face him. "We've barely been here a day! The doctor said I need at least three days away."
"I know, but—"
"But what?" Vivian cut him off, voice sharp with anger. "Is Aria more important than me again? Is that it?"
Dominic sighed, familiar guilt washing over him. "It's not like that, Viv. You know I care about you."
"Then prove it," she demanded, tears welling. "Stay with me for these three days, then we'll go back for your precious ceremony."
Dominic hesitated, torn. Finally, he nodded—once again choosing his sister over his destined mate.
"Fine," he conceded. "We'll stay the full three days."
Vivian smiled triumphantly, rising to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, brother. You'll always be my favorite person."
Dominic forced a smile and texted me:
"Morning, babe. Lake District is gorgeous, but colorless without you here. See you in three days for our ceremony. Can't wait. Love you."
——
Three days later, I stood on the southern train platform, ticket clutched in my hand.
Heavy clouds hung overhead, promising storms. The station clock showed ten minutes until departure.
For three days, I'd wrestled with my decision. Thoughts of Dominic brought heartache, but I knew leaving was right.
I traveled light—one backpack with clothes, research notes, and passport. Everything else remained in what was once home.
I took nothing that would remind me of Dominic. Those memories were burden enough.
My phone buzzed—Dominic: "Just got back to the city. Heading home. Wait for me—got a surprise for you."
I smiled bitterly. Always the same—promises of surprises that never materialized.
The train whistle pierced the air as it pulled in. I took a deep breath, decision crystallizing. I typed a brief message:
"I'm gone. Take care."
I powered off my phone and boarded. As the doors closed, strange relief washed over me—years of burden suddenly lifted.
Outside, the northern city receded, shrinking until it vanished on the horizon. I traced the mark on my wrist, feeling its faint pulse.
Would this mark fade after our separation? I was curious, but no longer afraid. Whatever happened, I was ready for my new life.
——
Dominic sped homeward, heart light with anticipation. He'd found a special gift—a rare crystal from Northern Lake that enhanced werewolf healing abilities.
He knew his recent behavior had disappointed me, but believed this gift and the upcoming ceremony would fix everything.
"Aria?" He pushed open the door. "I'm home!"
No response. Only hollow echoes.
He entered the living room to find everything normal. My book lay open on the coffee table, my favorite mug still on the kitchen counter.
"Aria?" he called again, unease creeping into his voice.
In the bedroom, the bed was neatly made, clothes still hanging in the wardrobe. Everything seemed normal, except…
Realization struck. He rushed to my desk. The drawer stood open—empty. Passport, ID, important papers—all gone.
"No…" he whispered, dread washing over him.
His phone buzzed with my message:
"I'm gone. Take care."
Brief. Calm. Final.
Dominic's hand trembled violently. He called immediately, but reached only voicemail.
"Aria, please pick up," he pleaded, voice quaking. "We need to talk."
He hung up and frantically searched for clues. My research notes were gone, but most belongings remained—as if I'd just stepped out briefly.
But Dominic knew better. My message was too final, too calm.
He bolted from the house, leaped into his car, and raced toward the station. Maybe there was still time. Maybe he could catch me, fix everything.
Rain began falling, streaking the windshield and blurring his vision. But his thoughts were more jumbled than his sight—a storm of regret and fear.
He finally understood my importance—but the realization came too late.
He burst into the station just as the southbound train's last car pulled away, vanishing into the curtain of rain.
"Aria!" he shouted desperately, his voice lost in the rain and rumbling tracks.
I was gone. Truly gone. And he—Dominic Blackwood, Alpha of the Northern Pack, possessor of a destined mate—was left with nothing but a text message and crushing regret.
