Thessara's POV**

Three days.

Three days since I slammed that door. Since I chose distance over the mate bond. Since I last spoke to Kieran.

Three days of hell.

The bond pulled constantly. It ached. Screamed. Like part of me was missing. Like I was incomplete.

But I stayed away. Stayed strong. Trained with Mara instead.

Mara didn't ask questions. Didn't push. Just worked me hard. Made me focus on physical pain instead of emotional.

We were sparring in the clearing. The sun is barely ...