Ashina woke to find a note slipped under her door.
Breakfast on your balcony. Thought you might not want to face people today. -M
Maria. Not Kendrick. Though through the bond, she felt his awareness of the gesture his quiet approval, his careful distance.
The tray sat on her balcony table fresh fruit, warm croissants, coffee exactly how she liked it. Simple kindness from someone who expected nothing in return.
Ashina ate while watching the territory wake up. Pack members emerged for morning routines training, patrols, heading to work. Life continuing while hers felt suspended in amber. Her phone buzzed. Her mother's daily check-in.
"How are you, sweetheart?"
Ashina stared at the message. How was she? Heartbroken. Humiliated. Strangely clear-headed despite everything.
"Better than yesterday. Worse than I'll be tomorrow."
"That's good enough for now. Love you."
"Love you too."
