all the right reasons

[EPKE ROBERTUS OPPEDYK]

December 2027

Autumn had steadily cooled into a dreary holiday season, and Rob had no desire to celebrate. His chest ached with the absence of his mate, though his career was still through the roof. Every day, Rob itched to find Lyra and to apologise, but to what end? They would just have the same old argument about the same old things. Nothing had changed, no matter what the bond said. Rob just had to keep reminding himself it had been the right thing to do. They'd only hold each other back. They had too many fundamental differences for some bizarre case of magic to right all the wrongs.

It didn't help the hollowness in his chest as he sat alone in the flat he'd once shared with Lyra. He'd thought about moving, but he was simply too settled. And maybe, one day, she might walk back into his life, waving a white flag. But for now, Lyra remained completely hidden to him. Even though Rob had made an agreement with Hanna to deliver Aware Wolf each month, Rob had no idea where she was. Rob worked his way steadily through a bottle of cheap whisky, embracing the numbness it delivered through his blood. Not to feel was a relief, when each morning that he woke up was a battle.

Another glass drained. Rob had half a thought to call Rhys, but surely he was busy with one thing or another. He considered messaging Sienna, but the temptation was too fraught for him right now. Mindlessly, Rob donned a cloak and set out from his flat. He didn't have a specific destination in mind, only that it was anywhere but here.

Rob's feet carried him almost halfway across London before his mind caught up. He was stood outside a dingy door leading to a basement club he'd been to only once before. Surely Lyra wouldn't be here tonight. Rob hadn't gone to any of the underground clubs without her, but something drove him forward this night. He pressed into the club, and paid the entry fee. Rob kept his cloak on, donning his hood as he did so. He didn't want to be recognised, though he doubted anyone here would really spare a glance for him. He declined making any bets, but instead watched as two young men stepped up to the platform, preparing for their duel.

There was a rush of adrenaline in the air, which made Rob forget why he'd come here in the first place. Had there been a purpose after all? But time froze when the two men finished, and the next duel was announced. Lyra was here. It would be the first time Rob saw his mate in months. His heart froze, his hands clutched the bannister that separated onlookers from contestants. Her face was thinner, the hollows of her cheeks more distinct. But there was the same ferocity in her eye that Rob had been missing. His breath caught as he watched her in silence, beautifully lethal as she danced around her competitors spells as if it was choreography. Lyra did not tire, but eventually the crowd called for a win, and she delivered. Triumph was written all over her face as she faced her fans, her eyes sparkling.

It was enough. Rob turned and hurried out of the club, feeling as if all the air in the room had disappeared. He burst onto the street, heaving deep breaths. Lyra had been in her element - she had fought back and clawed back and won herself glory. It only cemented Rob's belief that their split had been for all the right reasons, no matter how wrong it often felt. As Rob's breathing slowly returned to normal, he touched his cheek. He was surprised to find wetness there. He stared at it for a moment, before turning into an alley and disappearing into the night.