90
~Elara's POV
Alpha Darlon pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I'll be back soon," he whispered, his eyes soft but firm. Then he turned, grabbing his cloak, and was gone before I could protest. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving me in a room that suddenly felt enormous and empty. My heart thumped in my chest. I missed him already, even though he had just left.
A few minutes later, the door opened quietly. Lira and Ronan stepped in, bowing stiffly. "Princess," Ronan said, his voice calm, "we heard that Alpha Darlon went to deal with some rogues."
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, he had to leave, even on our wedding night. It's fine. I know he has duties."
Lira's smile was tight, too tight, and I couldn't shake the odd coldness I felt behind their eyes. My stomach twisted, a warning I didn't understand yet. "Thank you," I said cautiously, "for coming. I appreciate your company. It would have been lonely otherwise."
