Chapter 5

(Rietta’s POV)

Fredrik stayed beside Glyneth in the Healing Hall for three full days, and during all that time, he never contacted me once. There were no messages through the communication crystal, no calls, and no attempt to ask where I was or how I was doing.

Strangely, I welcomed the silence.

For the first time in a long while, I did not have to wonder what Fredrik was thinking or worry about where his attention had gone.

During the day, I packed my belongings from the manor. At night, I completed the final procedures for my resignation from the Moonclaw Alliance.

Three days was more than enough time to erase every trace of myself from that place.

The day Glyneth finally left the Healing Hall, Fredrik returned home alone.

He stepped inside just as I was fastening the final buckle on my last travel case, and his eyes immediately moved from me to the luggage resting beside my feet.

For some reason, seeing me standing there with everything packed made something tighten painfully in his chest.

"Rietta, where are you going?"

My expression remained calm.

"There are too many old things here. I'm clearing them out."

Fredrik nodded without questioning further.

"Good timing, then."

He loosened the collar of his shirt before continuing, "Glyneth has been frightened since that night. It's not safe for her to stay alone. Let her move into the manor for a while."

His voice remained completely natural.

"You can move out first. Seeing you still reminds her of that night."

He spoke as though asking his future Luna to leave their home so her best friend could move in was the most ordinary thing in the world.

"Fine."

I agreed immediately.

Honestly, having a few quiet days to myself before leaving felt like a relief.

Fredrik froze for a moment, clearly surprised that I had accepted so easily. Countless thoughts seemed to pass through his mind, but in the end, he only said, “The Moonbond ceremony is in three days.”

His voice softened slightly before he added, “I’ll come pick you up when the time arrives.”

I said nothing.

Without another word, I dragged my travel case out of the manor.

For the next three days, the two of them lived comfortably in what was supposed to become my marital home.

At least, that was what Glyneth's crystal feed suggested.

From every post she shared, it was obvious how much Fredrik cared about her.

Whenever nightmares woke her in the middle of the night, Fredrik stayed beside her until she fell asleep again.

When she suddenly craved cakes from a bakery located several territories away, he left in the middle of the night and rode there himself to buy them.

None of those things were actions Fredrik had ever done for me. Not even during the time when we were deeply in love.

On the final day, Glyneth posted another update.

There was no picture attached this time. Only a single sentence.

[These peaceful days are about to end. It's a little sad.]

Beneath it was Fredrik's reply.

[Whenever you want to stay here, just come.]

[There will always be a place for you in Rietta's and my manor.]

As I read those words, I felt nothing but relief. I was relieved that I had chosen to end both of these twisted relationships before the Moonbond ceremony.

At least I would never have to become the unwanted third person in my own mate bond, standing between two people who truly wanted each other.

Three days later, the day of the Moonbond ceremony finally arrived.

A message from Fredrik appeared on my communication crystal.

[I've already brought Glyneth to the sacred grounds. By the way, she wants to walk into the ceremony with you and personally hand you over to me. I think it's a wonderful idea. Consider it an extra part of the ceremony.]

A second message followed.

[Come a little later. The stylists and moonweavers are preparing Glyneth right now.]

I never replied.

Fredrik could no longer see how ridiculous and inappropriate that request truly was.

This ceremony did not need two brides.

And since Glyneth was already there, there was no reason for me to attend.

I blocked Fredrik's communication crystal and boarded a carriage bound for the Skyfang Port. From there, I would leave for the distant Celestdawn Crest.

Just before boarding the skyship, I contacted the Moonbond Overseer one final time.

"I won't be attending the ceremony today."

I paused briefly.

"But I have already sent a wedding gift. Please make sure it reaches them."

A faint smile touched my lips.

"Please wish them a long and happy life together on my behalf."