CHAPTER 201: TANGLED THREADS

Josie

The moment Marcy said the time Varen had called her, my stomach twisted. It was barely ten minutes after I’d spoken with him. My pulse stuttered as the realization sank in—he hadn’t just been upset; he’d been furious enough to call someone else immediately after walking away from me.

So much for hoping everything would smooth over.

I slumped into the couch, my fingers brushing the petals of the daffodils on the table, their softness mocking the storm brewing in my chest. "So... right after he left me, he called you," I said quietly.

Marcy’s expression softened as she scooted closer, pulling my hand into hers. "Josie, don’t look at me like that. I’m only telling you because I care. You can’t keep treating Varen like he’s not an option. He might act all calm, but inside? It’s eating him alive."

I blinked at her, the words hitting deeper than I wanted them to. "Treat him like he’s not an option?" I repeated, my voice trembling. "I’ve never done that. I’ve never even thought that way about him."

Marcy tilted her head, searching my face like she was trying to read the truth behind my eyes. "Then what’s all this tension between you two, hmm? You walk into a room and it’s like the air freezes. You talk, and it’s either clipped or defensive. You care about him, I know that—but he doesn’t feel it."

I let out a shaky breath, running a hand through my hair. "He said I make him feel small. That’s what started all this. And I... I don’t even know how to fix it, Marcy."

Her brows lifted. "He said that?"

"Yes." I leaned forward, my voice cracking. "He said I make him feel like he’s not enough. That ever since I came back from—" I stopped, swallowing hard. The words "from death" hung unspoken in the air. "He said everything changed. And I just... I can’t keep apologizing for surviving, Marcy."

Her hand squeezed mine gently. "I know, honey. But maybe he just needs to see that you still choose him, even when everything’s changed. Words won’t do that. Actions will."

I frowned, unsure where she was going with this. "And what kind of ’actions’ are we talking about?"

She smirked like she’d been waiting for that question. "Simple. Get pregnant."

I blinked at her. "Excuse me?"

She shrugged, totally unbothered. "You heard me. That’ll solve everything. A child brings stability—connection. It’ll ground you both."

I stared at her, half in disbelief, half in horror. "Marcy, you can’t be serious."

"Oh, I’m very serious," she said, leaning back with a sly grin. "And you better make sure it’s Varen’s first. That’ll seal the deal."

My mouth fell open. "How exactly do you expect me to—"

She rolled her eyes before I could finish. "Don’t play innocent with me. You’re not exactly clueless about bedroom duties. You know how to make it happen."

I groaned, pressing my face into my hands. "You are impossible."

"I’m realistic," she shot back, laughing. "Men like Varen—brooding, possessive, always walking around like they’ve got the weight of the world on their shoulders—they need something that ties them down. A baby would do it."

"Marcy, I don’t think a baby should be a solution to emotional issues."

She waved her hand dismissively. "Maybe not, but it’d distract him long enough for you two to remember why you care about each other in the first place."

I sighed, leaning back in my chair, staring blankly at the daffodils again. "You always make everything sound so simple."

"That’s because it is simple," she said brightly. "You’re the one who complicates it."

I opened my mouth to argue, but a knock on the door interrupted me. Before I could answer, Kiel stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. He carried a box wrapped in sleek black paper, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hope I’m not interrupting," he said smoothly.

"Oh, please do," Marcy teased. "She’s sulking."

I shot her a glare before standing up. "You’re early. What’s that?"

Kiel’s grin widened. "A little something for tonight."

Before I could reach him, Thorne appeared behind him—of course he did—holding another box, this one wrapped in silver.

I blinked at both of them. "Why do I suddenly feel like I’m in the middle of some fashion war?"

Kiel stepped closer, smirking. "Because you are. Mine’s the obvious winner."

Thorne scoffed. "Please. You wouldn’t know taste if it bit you. Josie, open mine first."

Kiel glared at him. "She’ll open mine first."

I crossed my arms, watching the two alphas bicker like overgrown pups. "You two realize I can hear both of you, right?"

Kiel ignored me, holding his box higher. "Josie, my design is elegant, subtle, perfect for you."

Thorne leaned against the wall, his voice laced with arrogance. "And mine is regal. Fit for the woman who commands attention the moment she walks in."

I sighed dramatically. "You’re both ridiculous."

Kiel feigned a pout. "You wound me, love."

Thorne smirked. "She’s right though."

Marcy was practically wheezing with laughter in the corner. "Oh, this is gold. I need to start bringing popcorn whenever I visit."

I rolled my eyes and reached for Kiel’s box first, if only to stop the argument. Inside lay a deep emerald gown, silky and sleeveless, the neckline plunging elegantly with tiny diamonds embroidered along the hem. It was bold, striking—very Kiel.

Before I could comment, Thorne shoved his box toward me. "Now mine."

I opened it and gasped. Inside was a deep royal blue gown that shimmered subtly when the light hit it, paired with a white fur shawl so soft it made me want to sink into it.

"Okay," I said slowly, biting my lip. "You’re both trying too hard."

Kiel grinned. "That’s the point."

I was about to reply when I noticed someone standing at the door—Varen. His eyes met mine briefly before darting away, uncertainty flickering in his gaze.

My heart dropped.

"Varen?" I whispered.

He stiffened. "Didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll come back later."

I took a step forward. "Wait—what are you doing here?"

He shrugged, his voice low. "Nothing important. I was just—forget it."

Before he could turn away, I caught his arm. "Not so fast. What are you hiding behind you?"

He tried to shift it out of view, but I lunged, wrestling the item from his grip with a playful laugh. "Varen, seriously—what are you—"

The words died in my throat when I finally saw it. A gown.

But not just any gown—a rainbow-colored one, with streaks of gold, coral, and soft pinks. It was... loud. A little much, if I was being honest. Definitely not my usual taste.

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Forget it. It’s stupid."

I blinked, my heart twisting. "No, it’s not."

Kiel’s brow arched behind me, and Thorne folded his arms. "Rainbow, huh? Interesting choice."

I glared at them both before turning back to Varen. "It’s beautiful. Really. I’ll wear it."

His eyes softened, disbelief flickering across his face. "You don’t have to—"

"I want to," I said quickly, rising on my toes to peck his cheek. His skin warmed under my lips, and for the first time in weeks, I saw the faintest hint of a smile tug at his mouth.

That alone made it worth it.

Hours later, I stood in my room as the maids helped prepare the gown. The fabric shimmered like sunrise when it caught the light, and despite its wild palette, I found myself smiling. Maybe it wasn’t my usual style, but it was his, and that meant something.

Or at least it did until the maid holding the iron gasped.

"Oh no," she whispered.

I turned sharply—and my heart plummeted. A black scorch mark, right across the bodice.

"Goddess, no," I breathed. "Please tell me that didn’t just happen."

The maid looked horrified. "I’m so sorry, Luna, it slipped—"

I forced a smile, though my chest was tight. "It’s fine. Accidents happen."

But inside, I felt crushed. The one thing that might’ve eased Varen’s heart... ruined.

With no time left, I slipped into Kiel’s emerald gown instead. It hugged my figure perfectly, the color making my eyes gleam brighter. I added Thorne’s white shawl around my shoulders, the soft fur brushing against my neck like a whisper of calm.

When I looked at my reflection, I almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back—strong, poised, radiant.

The maids led me down to the open banquet. The air shimmered with music and laughter. As soon as I stepped in, Kiel’s eyes found me. His grin was instant, proud. Thorne appeared beside him, and they both came forward, each pressing a kiss to one of my cheeks.

"You look breathtaking," Kiel murmured.

"Beyond breathtaking," Thorne added with a smirk.

Their warmth surrounded me, pulling a genuine smile from my lips—until I saw him.

Varen stood at the far end of the hall, his expression unreadable. For a fleeting second, I thought he’d smile too. But instead, his jaw clenched, his eyes dimming like a flame snuffed out.

He looked at me once—just once—and said quietly, "You couldn’t even wear the one I chose."