Razen’s expression stiffened for a moment, then he forced a small smile. “Of course. You should rest.”
There was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but he said nothing more.
His crystal communicator buzzed again. He picked it up quickly, and the irritation on his face vanished, replaced by a bright smile as he replied.
The moment he finished, he got up from the bed and began dressing in a rush. “Something came up in the pack,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “I will be back in a few hours.”
“Of course. Take your time,” I answered calmly.
Razen looked at me, clearly surprised.
Before, I would have complained about him leaving late at night for sudden pack matters. Now I was telling him to go without question.
His crystal communicator buzzed once more. He shook off his confusion and hurried out.
“I love you,” he muttered as he left.
“And I hate you,” I whispered under my breath.
***
When I woke the next morning, Razen had not returned. He most likely stayed at Navielle’s place. But it no longer mattered to me.
I prepared for my visit to the healer’s hall.
As I sat on the bed inside the healing chamber, my heart tightened painfully. Could I really go through with this?
The healer stood beside me.