chapter 8

Hearing Dorian's words, even Emma didn't bother to complain further.

Simona stayed silent for a moment.

If it had been her in the past, she would have broken down by now, demanding to know on what grounds Dorian was apologizing to Rowena, who was truly his fated mate, who deserved his attention.

But now, Simona only replied calmly, "It's okay."

Her unexpectedly calm tone, so unlike before, stabbed Dorian more sharply than any outburst could. He gripped his communicator tighter, and even Rowena's quiet, sniffling sobs beside him grated on his nerves.

Deep in his mind, Ronan murmured, "Don't panic. She's just sulking. Go back and soothe her a little. Everything will be fine. After all, you two are fated mates."

Dorian steadied himself and said into the communicator, "Simona… It's hard to explain through messages. I'll explain everything when I get back!"

"Okay."

After ending the call, a sense of panic gripped Dorian's chest—the feeling of something important slowly slipping away, devouring him bit by bit.

A vague thought flashed through his mind, but was shredded by Rowena's cries.

He couldn't help but shout, "Be quiet! Why are you sending her those messages?"

Rowena froze, tears clinging to her cheeks—Dorian had never raised his voice at her before.

The sudden silence brought him back to himself. Seeing Rowena's tear-streaked face, his heart softened once again.

"Rowena, don't cry. I know you didn't mean it."

Sniffling, Rowena said, "Dorian… I don't want to come between you and Simona. I'm just… almost out of time. If she minds, then… we don't have to do the bonding ceremony. You don't have to worry about me anymore."

Dorian felt his temples throb painfully. It was as if ants crawled beneath his skin, leaving stinging, itching pain wherever they passed.

Yet he suppressed his irritation and comforted her, "It's okay, Rowena. This is nothing—Simona will understand."

Ron added in agreement, "Exactly. Simona cares about you. She'll be understanding. Taking a few bonding commemorative photos is nothing—it's just granting Rowena's wish."

The more Dorian thought, the more he realized it was true—Simona loved him enough to compromise, even letting Rowena have her bonding ceremony first.

Taking a few commemorative photos for the bonding ceremony was nothing. He decided he would go back and soothe Simona later.

Just as he was about to leave, Rowena clutched his arm tightly. "Dorian, maybe I should come with you and explain. I'll sincerely apologize to Simona and make her understand it was all a misunderstanding!"

Dorian instinctively wanted to refuse. He knew Simona would be even more upset if she saw Rowena.

"Dorian, please… I'll feel so guilty I won't be able to sleep tonight!"

Dorian couldn't help but think of Rowena as she had been when she was a child—always hiding behind him whenever she'd done something wrong. Back then, he had always helped her, and he couldn't turn away now.

He relented, taking Rowena with him back home.

Simona had just finished carving a rough oak vase in her studio—the body etched with Frostmoon Pack's emblem—planning to take it home as a gift for Robert.

In high spirits, she stepped out of her room only to find Dorian and Rowena standing in the living room.

Seeing her, Rowena's eyes immediately reddened, and she rushed forward. "Simona, I'm really sorry! I didn't mean anything, and I never intended to come between you and Dorian. I just… I really hope you two are happy!"

"Simona, Rowena's feeling terrible and insisted on apologizing to you," Dorian explained on her behalf. "She said she won't be able to sleep tonight if you don't forgive her."

Simona's entire good mood for the day evaporated. She felt a wave of disgust.

She couldn't fathom how someone could pack "showing off" and "provocation" into an "apology" and make it sound completely natural.

"I forgive you," she said coolly.

Rowena's eyes flashed with a hint of resentment. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

She had deliberately clung to Dorian, hoping to see Simona break down and cry, so Dorian could scold her like before—call her childish and petty.

Just as Rowena opened her mouth to say more, Simona ignored her entirely and asked Dorian, "When are you taking the bonding commemorative photos?"

Dorian was silent for a moment, his tone hesitant. "Tomorrow… Well, Simona, it's not really taking bonding commemorative photos, just two quick shots. It's mainly to fulfill Rowena's wish."

Simona seemed not to hear his explanation.

She pulled out her communicator, checked the Pack Weather app, and switched to Ironclaw Pack's forecast. Smiling, she said, "The weather's perfect tomorrow. The photos should turn out great."

Dorian felt like a weight was pressing down on his chest, leaving him stuck in a haze of unease. Even Ron, his wolf, muttered in his mind, "Why isn't she angry at all? Something's off."

Before Dorian could respond, Simona spoke again, her voice calm and gentle. "Anything else? If not, I'm going to bed. You're free to do as you please."