Riley knew her condition all too well. She didn't have much time left. So why drag Lucien Duskgrave into the pit of her inevitable ending? There was no reason to entangle someone like him-an Alpha born under a silver moon, destined for greatness-with someone like her, flickering like a dying ember. "I understand, Carmen," she said softly, her voice carrying a depth of clarity that only those who had made peace with death could possess. Carmen's eyes lit up immediately. "Then... you'll come with me?" Upstairs. The embroidery room. The view of the garden below was perfect from here-intentionally so. Lucien had insisted the embroidery room be placed right above the garden. He'd said that when Riley grew tired of stitching, she could rest at the windowsill and breathe in the rich fragrance of the flowers below, the scent and view soothing her spirit. Now, Lucien Duskgrave stood lazily against the open window, his tall frame outlined by the gentle light of the overcast sky. His eyes followed every movement in the garden below-every step Riley took, every word she shared with Carmen. He listened. The shadows in his eyes deepened, and his brow arched slightly in intrigue. Well well... Mia certainly raised a sharp one, he mused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He had expected Riley to be approached by unworthy males with hidden intentions. He hadn't expected Carmen to be the one to whisk her away. Still, there was no fury in Lucien's posture. He remained utterly calm-almost entertained-as he listened. Then came Riley's answer: "I... I'll go with you." Carmen gasped. "Really?" she whispered in disbelief, joy spreading across her face like sunrise. She rushed forward and hugged Riley tightly, unable to hide her excitement. "When do we leave? Tomorrow? I'll book the flight right now."Riley couldn't hear Carmen's words, but she could read her lips and feel her emotions. Still, she gently stepped back from the embrace, her gaze soft but unwavering. "I said I'll go. But..." Carmen froze, smile faltering. "But what?" Riley hesitated. Her voice was lower now, hesitant, burdened. "I promised Alpha Lucien... I promised I would finish the Elegy of Peonies for Matriarch Duskgrave." She lowered her eyes, guilt casting a shadow over her features. "He spent twenty million credits to win the piece at her birthday auction... and because of my mistake, Scarlett shredded it. I need to make it right." Carmen's breath caught. She'd heard about the incident, but not the full cost. Not the emotional toll. "And Lucien..." Riley added, her voice barely above a whisper, "He saved me. When I had no one, when I was ready to end it all-he was there. That night when Tessa woke up, I was ready to jump. I would have, if he hadn't shown up." She didn't mention the two million–credit vintage whiskey she'd drank out of spite. Or the hospital bills he quietly paid afterward. Every kindness. Every debt. She carried them all. Carmen's fists clenched as she swallowed a rising lump in her throat. She had never known Riley had come that close to death. If Lucien Duskgrave hadn't been there... She didn't dare finish the thought. Quietly, she asked, "Then... after you finish repaying him, will you come with me?" Riley's answer came with a gentle smile. "Yes." She had her skill now-Moonwave embroidery, a dying art reborn in her hands. That alone could sustain her in any country, in any city. Even across the sea, she would not fall to ruin again. Above, Lucien listened without moving, the smirk never leaving his face. His gaze was unreadable-like a lake at midnight, hiding what swam beneath. So, you've made your plan, little flower. You intend to vanish. But did I ever say you could leave me? His grandmother had already accepted Riley as her future granddaughter-in-law. And the ring on Riley's finger-the one his mother once wore-was not a simple gesture. It was a vow. You are mine, Riley. Oath-bound. Soul-touched. No one walks away from me. Still, Lucien made no move to confront her. He didn't need to. Let her try to run. He'd rather see her realize on her own-that even if she fled the Stormridge Pack, even if she crossed oceans-her heart would find its way back to him. The next morning. Rain whispered against the windows of the Duskgrave estate, soft and steady, like a lullaby from the clouds. The gray sky filtered through the glass, casting a dim, gentle light over the polished floors and quiet halls. Riley stirred from sleep, her senses adjusting to the rhythm of raindrops and the muted hum of the estate awakening. She moved through her morning routine with quiet grace. Washed. Dressed. Descended the grand staircase for breakfast, where warmth and calm met her like old friends. After the final sip of her tea, she rose to return to the embroidery room, mind already focused on thread and silk. But just as she turned- A hand. Warm. Strong. Possessive. Wrapped tightly around her wrist. Riley froze.That touch-searing and electric-ignited every nerve in her body. Her heart leapt violently in her chest as heat flooded her senses. She turned, eyes wide with confusion and disbelief, and found herself face-to-face with the storm. Lucien Duskgrave. His eyes, silver-flecked and dangerously calm, bore into hers.