The night was quiet and heavy with unspoken words.
Claire and Xander stood on the private balcony of the east wing, the moon casting a soft silver light over the gardens below. Alex Jr. was fast asleep inside, his peaceful breathing a gentle reminder of why they were both fighting so hard to heal. The mate bond between them hummed steadily, warm and insistent, as if urging them to finally close the last remaining distance.
Xander was the first to speak. His voice was low, raw, and stripped of the cold mask he had worn for years.
“I’ve been angry for so long,” he admitted, staring out at the moonlit trees. “Angry at you for leaving. Angry at myself for driving you away. Angry at the world for letting it happen. But tonight, I need to let it go. I forgive you, Claire. For disappearing. Fo
