Chapter 10: The Call From Grayhaven

I had barely finished breakfast when my phone started ringing.

The number was unfamiliar.

I almost ignored it.

Then I noticed the Grayhaven prefix.

I answered.

Clara?

It was Julian.

His voice sounded different.

There was no arrogance in it.

Only restrained anger.

Why did you leave without telling me?

I almost laughed.

You told me to get out.

There was a long silence.

I heard him breathe through his nose.

I didn't mean for you to actually leave.

I looked out the window at the red cliffs surrounding Red Mesa.

Then what did you think I would do?

Julian didn't answer.

For five years, I had always known the answer.

I would cry.

I would get angry.

I would apologize.

And eventually, I would come back.

But this time, I didn't.

Behind Julian, I could hear voices.

Someone was arguing with him.

Then Felicity's voice came through clearly.

Julian, the Tidewatch boat leaves in two hours.

You can't keep delaying everyone because of Clara.

I closed my eyes.

So he was still taking her.

Even after everything.

Even after I left.

Julian lowered his voice.

Clara, come back to Grayhaven.

We'll talk before I leave.

I shook my head even though he couldn't see me.

There's nothing left to talk about.

His voice hardened.

You're my wife.

You can't just disappear.

I gave a quiet laugh.

You gave my position to Felicity.

You gave her my ring.

You gave her my room.

And you told me to leave.

I paused.

So why are you suddenly worried about where I am?

Julian went silent.

Then he said something that made my heart stop.

Because I woke up this morning and realized I couldn't smell you anymore.

For a second, I couldn't speak.

A wolf's scent bond wasn't the same as a mate mark.

But after five years together, our scents had become familiar to each other.

Maybe he had finally noticed my absence.

Maybe, for the first time, the house felt different without me.

But that wasn't my problem anymore.

Julian, I don't belong to Stonebridge.

You made that very clear.

I ended the call.

My hand was still resting on the phone when Wyatt entered the room.

He studied my face.

Julian?

I nodded.

What did he want?

He wants me to come back.

Wyatt gave a humorless smile.

Of course he does.

Then his expression turned serious.

Clara, the council just received the formal notice from Stonebridge.

I frowned.

What notice?

Julian's family has requested an emergency meeting.

I stared at him.

Why?

Wyatt pulled a folder from beneath his arm and placed it on the table.

Because the Hawthorne elders just discovered the five-year alliance is ending.

He tapped the folder.

And they're blaming Julian for losing the Calloways.

I slowly opened it.

For the first time, I saw the scale of what my departure had triggered.

The Hawthorne family hadn't lost only a wife.

They had lost Red Mesa.

And suddenly, they were afraid.