Your wolf abandon you

The warmth of the sun spilled through the large windows, casting golden light across the dark stone walls. Zenobia barely registered it, her body still tense from the lingering sensation of Orion’s hands on her feet. She wasn’t sure what was more unsettling—the fact that he had touched her with unexpected care or the way her body had responded to it.

She swallowed, suddenly aware of his piercing golden gaze on her. Orion was crouched before her, as if studying her reaction, his smirk barely concealed.

“The sun’s up,” he said casually, standing with effortless grace. “Let’s get something to eat.”

Zenobia hesitated but nodded. She wasn’t sure what she had expected from him this morning, but his nonchalant demeanor threw her off. No threats. No demands. Just… breakfast?

He didn’t wait for her response, turning toward the door. “Come,” he said, his tone making it clear that she didn’t have much of a choice.

Zenobia followed, her bare feet barely making a sound against the cool floors as they walked. The palace was eerily quiet, but she could feel unseen eyes on her. She was an outsider here, a stray wolf in the heart of a Lycan’s domain.

When they entered the grand dining hall, she was momentarily taken aback. A long table stretched before them, lined with silver platters filled with freshly baked bread, roasted meat, fruit, and an assortment of warm dishes. The scent was intoxicating, and her stomach clenched in response.

A few Lycans were already seated, their murmurs fading the moment they spotted Orion and her. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to outright disapproval. She ignored them, keeping her head high as Orion gestured for her to sit.

He took the seat beside her, as if to make a statement.

Zenobia hesitated before reaching for a piece of bread. She felt the weight of the stares but forced herself to act unaffected. Orion, on the other hand, was completely at ease, slicing through his meal with practiced precision.

After a few moments of silence, he spoke.

“Why did you call for me, Zenobia?”

Her hand froze mid-air.

She turned to him sharply, her heartbeat quickening. “What?”

His golden eyes flickered with amusement. “Last night. You called for me.”

Zenobia opened her mouth to protest but then shut it. A shiver ran down her spine. She had been desperate, yes—but she had no wolf. No connection to the pack link. There was no way she should have been able to summon anyone, let alone the Lycan King himself.

She gripped the edge of the table, confusion flooding her mind. How did I do it?

Orion leaned back, watching her carefully. “You look surprised,” he mused.

She swallowed hard, realizing she had to respond. Lying outright felt like a mistake, but the truth? Even she didn’t know it.

“I don’t know,” she admitted finally. “I don’t remember calling you.”

Orion hummed, as if considering her words. “Strange, isn’t it?”

Zenobia’s thoughts spiraled, but before she could dwell too much, he reached for his goblet, taking a slow sip. “No matter,” he said. “I was just curious.”

The conversation shifted, but Zenobia couldn’t shake the unease creeping into her chest.

Even without her wolf, she had reached for something—someone. And the only one who had answered… was him.

She forced herself to focus on the meal, keeping her thoughts buried.

But Orion wasn’t finished.

“Tell me, little wolf,” he said, voice smooth but firm. “What exactly happened to you?”

Zenobia tensed. She hadn’t spoken about it. Not to anyone. She had swallowed her pain, buried it deep where no one could reach.

Orion’s gaze didn’t waver. He wasn’t asking out of pity. He wanted the truth.

Zenobia clenched her hands in her lap, debating whether she should even tell him.

But then, like a floodgate breaking, the emotions overwhelmed her.

Her voice was barely a whisper. “He took everything from me.”

Orion said nothing, waiting.

She took a shuddering breath, her fingers gripping the fabric of her clothes.

“Maxwell,” she whispered. “He took my pack. My home. My wolf.” She blinked rapidly, fighting back the burning in her eyes. “He rejected me. Humiliated me.....and

The words felt heavier as she spoke them aloud, the weight of her pain pressing down on her like an heavy rock.

The room remained still. The other Lycans seated at the long dining table exchanged looks, clearly listening. Orion’s gaze flicked toward them, his golden eyes darkening.

“Leave,” he commanded.

There was no room for argument. Chairs scraped against the stone floor as they hurried out, heads lowered in silent obedience. The heavy doors shut behind them, leaving only Zenobia and Orion in the vast dining hall.

She swallowed hard, unsure why his simple gesture made her feel… safer.

Orion didn’t push her. He waited.

For some reason, even though he was a stranger, she felt the need to pour out her heart.

“I had no one,” she admitted, voice raw. “I was nothing.”

Her fingers curled into fists. “Maxwell brought in another girl. An omega.” The words tasted bitter. “He publicly declared his intent to make her his mate.”

Orion didn’t react, but something in his expression darkened.

“I objected, of course,” she continued, laughing bitterly. “I was his mate. His fated one. But he didn’t care. He claimed he was doing it for the pack, that it was necessary.” Her throat tightened. “But I know the truth. He fell in love with someone else.”

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions.

Zenobia lowered her gaze. “And my wolf…” Her voice faltered.

Before she could finish, Orion’s deep voice cut through the air. “It’s gone, isn’t it?”

Her head snapped up, eyes wide. “How do you—”

Orion pushed back his chair and stood. He moved toward her with slow, deliberate steps, his towering presence casting a shadow over her. Once he reached her seat, he crouched down, bringing himself to her level.

Zenobia stiffened as his hand reached for hers, his touch unexpectedly warm.

A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. “I knew the moment I saw you,” he murmured.

She held her breath.

“Your wolf abandoned you,” he continued. His fingers brushed lightly over her wrist, as if feeling for something that was no longer there. “Your connection with Maxwell is gone.”

Zenobia’s heart pounded.

She had never spoken these words aloud, never dared to acknowledge the truth. But hearing it from Orion—hearing it spoken so plainly—made it real.

Her wolf was truly gone.

And with it, so was everything she had ever known.