I hadn't been back to Lunarclaw Manor for three days, and Rowan hadn't even bothered to check if I was alive. The last time we fought about Selene, I stayed at my best friend's den for a few days to clear my head. He probably thought I was just throwing another tantrum, as usual, and didn't want to deal with it.

Then Selene called him, her voice trembling through the line.

"Rowan, there's a storm rolling in tonight, and the moon's hidden. I'm terrified. Can you stay with me? I don't want to be alone."

I saw Rowan tighten his grip on the phone before letting it relax. "Selene, I'm still married. It wouldn't be right for me to come to your cabin."

For a moment, I thought he might actually make the right decision. But then, predictably, he added, "But you could come to Lunarclaw Manor. Luna isn't home."

Even Selene seemed surprised by that. "Are you sure, Rowan? What if she comes back? How would we explain ourselves?"

I almost snorted. She knew exactly what she was doing, playing the innocent card like a seasoned actress.

Rowan brushed it off easily. "What would we need to explain? This is my territory, and you're my friend. Luna doesn't control who stays here."

He was so sure of himself. "Besides, she's not coming back."

Selene paused for a beat, her breath catching. "How do you know?"

She quickly masked her suspicion, adding, "I mean... did she get mad again?"

Rowan nodded, sounding exasperated. "Yeah. On our 10th anniversary, I told her I was going to see you."

He let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm so tired of her jealousy. We're just friends, but she's always suspicious! I chose her, didn't I? Married her. But it's never enough for her. Unlike you, Selene. You've put up with so much over the years and never asked for anything. I should be the one apologizing to you."

I could hardly contain my amusement. Who celebrates their 10th wedding anniversary by meeting up with their ex? And to think, that was the day I died.

Next year, Rowan, will you celebrate your anniversary or mark the day of my death?

Selene wasted no time rushing to the manor, practically throwing herself into Rowan's arms.

"Rowan, it's so dark and eerie outside. I'm scared."

I rolled my eyes from the shadows. It's dark every night. I'd never seen her rattled before.

Rowan held her close, his strong arms reassuring. "You've got nothing to fear. I'm here." His hand traced soft circles on her back, trying to calm her down.

To reassure her even more, he pulled out a bundle of candles. "I bought these just in case. Even if the storm knocks out the power, we'll have light."

Selene sighed dramatically, leaning further into him. "You're always looking out for me, Rowan. You're my hero."

It was getting late, and Selene wanted to freshen up before bed. She headed into my bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Of course, she raided my skincare stash, casually using everything I had without a second thought. She left the bathroom a mess, caps unscrewed, bottles knocked over.

She smirked at her reflection. "Luna won't care. She's not coming back anyway."

I watched silently from the mirror, my ghostly form undetectable as she played with my things. Thunder rumbled outside, and with a flash of lightning, a figure shimmered on the floor. Selene screamed, dropping a bottle, and called out for Rowan.

He burst through the door, his wolf senses heightened, ready to protect her like the Alpha he was. He swept her into his arms, holding her close as she shook against him.

"Isn't this a bit... dangerous?" Selene whispered, glancing around the room as if expecting me to materialize at any moment. "What if your mate comes back?"

Rowan shrugged, his gaze cold as he stared out at the storm. "I don't care if she does."

The lightning illuminated his face, casting deep shadows across his features. "If she shows up, she's got no right to say anything. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have stayed away, and we wouldn't have missed all those years together."

He spoke with such certainty it sent chills down my spine. "You don't have to worry about her, Selene. If she dies out there, it's no skin off my back."

Alright, Rowan. Your wish is my command. Let's see how indifferent you truly are when you find out what happened.