Chapter 5: Nothing Answers

Joran's POV

I locked my study door and sat on the floor with my back against it.

My wolf had not spoken since the Claiming Hall.

I called him four times that morning, and the place where he lived in me was empty.

Every Alpha is born with a wolf who answers.

Mine had gone quiet the moment Ilse Penhallow walked out of that room.

I looked at my hands.

They were pale and they would not stop shaking.

Three days ago I could lift a truck axle by myself.

This morning I could not get up the stairs without stopping twice.

A knock came at the door, one long and two short.

"It's me," said Osric Marrow.

I opened it.

The old elder came in with his walking stick and his heavy gray eyes, and he shut the door behind him.

Verity came in behind him with a tray of tea.

"You went to Silverfen," Osric said. "Against my advice."

"She was my mate."

"She was a weak orphan, and you rejected her. It's finished."

"Then why can't I shift?"

Osric and Verity looked at each other.

It was quick, but I saw it.

"Grief," Osric said. "When a bond breaks, the stronger wolf takes it hardest. You've had a shock. It will pass in a week."

"A week?"

"Two at most." He took a small brown bottle from his coat and set it on the desk. "Take a spoonful at night. It will settle your wolf."

I picked up the bottle and looked at it.

The label was blank.

"What's in it?"

"Roots. Your father took the same tonic when your mother died."

I put it down.

"Joran." Verity knelt in front of me and took my hand. "Please. You've been through so much. You don't have to carry this alone."

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