Ares POV

　　In the spur of the moment, I sent my spy warrior on a mission to gather intel, not fully grasping my underlying quest for answers. Bathel's mysterious silence since our last conversation now seems almost comical, adding another layer to my intrigue.

　　Tonight marks Blaire's eagerly anticipated return, yet the anticipation is tinged with apprehension as she remains unresponsive to my texts. However, a glimmer of reassurance arrives in the form of a letter from the Black River Pack, assuring us of Blaire's safety and imminent return, albeit accompanied by someone unfamiliar. The mystery of Blaire's companion shrouds the evening with uncertainty, I fervently hope it isn't her father.

　　My attention is currently focused on the mirror in my dressing room as I fix myself.

　　My self-portrait catches my attention.

　　I look too different and my eyes don't seem to be filled with happiness. As of now, I do not have any idea what type of feeling I am experiencing.

　　In a matter of seconds, I received a notification on my phone. When I open it, I see Blaire's name pop up on the screen. She finally replies to my text, but I feel too stupid to assume it is a message from my warrior who's been spying on Bathel's pack.

　　Why do I still hope that Dana is not with him? I am not sure.

　　"Why does it occupy your thoughts?" Blaze interjects suddenly, as I remain fixated on my reflection.

　　"That, I cannot ascertain," I murmur whilst running my fingers through my hair.

　　"You must put her out of your mind," he advises. "Furthermore, you must resolve the tensions with the Sun Flower Pack," he insists, though I pay his counsel little heed.

　　It's not that easy.

　　Yet, my motivations for contemplating Dana transcend mere affection. Our prior relationship was but a dalliance to me; she alone invested it with earnest significance.

　　"She means nothing to me now," I assert.

　　"If she is inconsequential, why then do you persist in seeking her out?" he presses.

　　I furrow my brow, a hint of frustration evident as I bite down on my lower lip. "I'm struggling to grasp your intended meaning," I retort, seeking clarity amidst the confusion.

　　"Blaire may have been the chosen one, but that doesn't alter the undeniable truth that your heart..."

　　"Blaze," I interject, gently halting his train of thought, wanting to address something before we continue.

　　"I love Blaire," I confess, the words heavy with emotion. As I trail off, unable to articulate the tumultuous thoughts swirling within me, a profound silence descends, echoing the complexity of my feelings.

　　Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I am gripped by a profound sense of bewilderment, a stranger to my actions and motivations. Lost in the depths of uncertainty, I stand immobilized, grappling with the disconcerting realization that I am adrift, uncertain of my path forward.

　　"You love her? You never truly hear her words," he accuses, his voice laced with frustration. "You don't connect with her on a deeper level. She doesn't fulfill your needs. There's no bond between us, no physical connection." Each word feels like a dagger, piercing through my defenses, causing me to grit my teeth in silent anguish, the weight of his words settling heavily upon me.

　　"Did you love Dana?" he inquires, diverting my intended discourse.

　　"That is of the past," I declare.

　　"Answer my question," He insists.

　　I grit my teeth. "I did," I admit. "Yet, the memory has dimmed. Its import escaped me," I dissemble- though the genuineness of my former love remains vivid. In youth, innocence clouded my judgment, heedless of power and pack problems.

　　"So you've chosen to wed a woman responsible for the death of the parents of the one you once loved- "

　　"You fail to comprehend," I interject sharply.

　　"I married her for the pack's prosperity," I clarify.

　　"She serves a purpose. Her pack commands respect- "

　　"You're insinuating that you're merely using her, yet I must remind you that the Black River Pack isn't the one being exploited here. You had the opportunity to resolve your issues with the Sun Flower Pack- "

　　"I know what I'm doing, Blaze," I assert, forcefully pushing his doubts aside as I douse myself in perfume, hastily adjusting my attire and grooming my hair before turning my back to the mirror. With purposeful strides, I exit the dressing room, only to be startled by the unexpected presence of Blaire on the first floor, catching me off guard.

　　Accompanying her is a man of similar age, evoking a scant reaction from my cohorts, Ander and Drake, who stand beside them. They make no effort to summon me, preoccupied with providing the newcomer refreshment.

　　I feel oddly numb, I silently observe Blaire and the man beside her. Despite not knowing their exact relationship, they appear at ease with each other. As I make my way downstairs, their attention shifts to me, their gazes meeting mine, sparking a moment of silent tension.

　　"Alpha," Ander and Drake intone, satisfaction evident in their countenances.

　　"Honey," Blaire greets me with a smile, darting forward to peck my cheek. I return the gesture with a smile, joining her as we approach the man clad in black, regarding me with a congenial smile.

　　He bows before proffering his hand. "I'm Justin, a childhood friend of the Luna's, used to be her Knight, and- "

　　"Your name will suffice," I interject, shaking his hand. Detecting his discomfort, I offer a small smile.

　　"Ah, yes, pleasure to meet you, Alpha," he responds, retracting his hand.

　　"Why were you chosen to accompany my wife?" I inquire, noting his nervous demeanor.

　　"Ah, the Black River Pack received your message and the information Blaire provided about the potential conflict with the other pack. The Alpha has been occupied with his other duties, trying to align with your plans, and Blaire chose to be with me," he relayed. His manner of speaking is both formal and gentle, with a touch of nervousness and happiness evident in his voice.

　　His hands are shaking.

　　I smile. "Blaire chose you?"