Chapter 22
Kael didn’t let go of my hand.
Not once.
We walked through the estate in silence while wolves moved quietly aside for us.
No one spoke.
No one looked directly at us.
But I could feel it.
They all knew.
Everyone saw the weakening bond.
Everyone heard me answer another Alpha.
Everyone watched Draven leave because I asked for space.
Nothing would remain private after tonight.
The realization sat heavily in my chest.
Kael kept walking.
Steady.
Quiet.
Not pulling me forward.
Not tightening his grip.
Just… there.
And somehow that hurt more.
Because months ago, I would’ve begged for this softness.
Now I didn’t know what to do with it.
We reached our room.
Kael opened the door.
Then stepped aside to let me enter first.
That small gesture nearly broke me.
I move
