Darius found her in one of the side gardens, her figure hunched on a stone bench beneath the glow of the moonlight. The delicate flowers that lined the path swayed in the cool night breeze, their fragrance soft and calming, but Roselyn sat rigid and trembling, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her wolf’s sorrow rolled off her in waves that made his own chest ache.
“Roselyn,” Darius said gently, approaching but careful not to crowd her.
She didn’t look at him. Her eyes stayed fixed on the fountain ahead, water trickling in the silence.
“Why did you make me come here?” Her voice was raw, broken, more accusation than question.
Darius exhaled slowly, guilt pricking at him.
“Because you’ve been hiding from the world. From life. From the bond you were destined to find.” He lowered hi
