He lowered his head to the crook of her neck, where the faint silver glow of their mate mark rested against her skin.
“Something troubles you,” he murmured quietly.
The deep rumble of the Alpha wolf within him vibrated through his voice. It was a sound that once brought her comfort.
He pressed several lazy kisses along the back of her neck, his breath brushing against the mark the Moon Goddess had given them.
Aria chuckled softly and pushed him away after a moment.
Caleb immediately frowned, looking almost like a sulking pup whose playtime had been cut short.
Amused despite herself, Aria pointed toward the bathing room.
“Go clean yourself first. You smell like you’ve been sparring with half the warriors.”
Caleb grumbled under his breath but obeyed, disappearing behind the wooden door.
The moment it shut, Aria rushed back to the bed and pulled the hidden folder free.
Without hesitation, she shoved it deep inside the cupboard.
Sooner or later she would tell him.
The truth inside that file could not remain hidden forever.
---
Later that evening, Aria stood in the kitchen of the packhouse, reheating the stew over the fire.