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She steeled herself against his unspoken plea as the fog cleared.

"Very clever," she added. "Bringing up children." Her lips curled with derision. "A very good bargaining chip. You know exactly where it hurts."

Whatever illusion had briefly taken shape between them fractured—cleanly and decisively—leaving only the truth standing in its wake.

She rose then, the last softness draining from her face.

"Stay or leave," Fae said tiredly. "That is up to you." Her eyes clashed with his, unwavering. "Just do not get in my way."

The words felt final, like the end of them.

"And make no mistake," she went on. "I am not doing this for you; I don't want you here. But I am going to be selfish."

Her hand closed briefly around the silk pouch in her pocket before falling away. "I am doing this for me."

Blaidd did not move or speak.

"The moonflower essence is not comfortable to take," she said evenly. "It burns."

Her gaze flashed with something bitter and honest.

"Perhaps next full moon," she added, "you will get a taste of what it is like to be used by someone who cannot stand the sight of you." Her voice was merciless in its calm. "Who walks away the moment you have served your purpose."

She turned then, the decision already made. It felt freeing.

And if the words cut him, it was only because they were true.

For once, she was not the one left bleeding in the aftermath.

"Fae."

His voice stopped her.

She turned only slightly, enough to acknowledge him.

"The amulet," Blaidd said, as if clinging to it. "About the amulet—"

"I will not use it anymore," she said. "Why should I suffer because I was cursed to be chained to a lifemate like you?"

"It separates me from my wolf," she went on. "And I am not willing to lose any more of myself for you."

She looked at him then, eyes calculating as they moved over him like he was merchandise.

"Maybe it is best you are around when I need an outlet."

Whatever hope still lingered in his face died at that.

Then she turned and walked away, leaving him standing by the water, staring after her retreating form long after she had disappeared into the trees.

***

Some time later, Sulien approached.

Blaidd was still there, gaze fixed sightlessly on the stream, thoughts snarled and useless, his mind too fractured to find a path forward.

"So," Sulien said mildly. "How did it go?"

Blaidd did not answer at once. When he did, his voice sounded like a rusty wheel as he told Sulien what had passed between them.