Lila's POV:
The carriage jolted and stopped.
Ian clung to the door, his chest heaving. He stared at my wedding gown. He reached for me, his hand trembling.
"Come down."
I didn't move.
"Lila, come home with me." He softened his voice. "You just severed the bond. Your body can't take such a long trip."
"The healer is traveling with us, and the medicine is packed."
"That's not what I mean."
"Then what do you mean?"
He opened his mouth. A long time passed before he managed to speak. "I'll ask Alpha again about the alliance marriage."
"Send Daphne?"
"No..."
"She can't go, and I can't go. Ian, even now, you don't know what you want."
He gripped the carriage door. "But you can't just marry someone else."
"Why can't I?"
"You're my—"
His voice stopped.
The bond between us was alrea
