I stood in the middle of my room, surrounded by piles of my belongings I'd gathered to pack. My hands hung limply at my sides, and though I knew I should keep moving, I couldn't. My body felt heavy, unresponsive, as if weighed down by the enormity of what I was about to do. 

My eyes stayed fixed on the half-filled bag at my feet, its open mouth a stark reminder of the decision I'd made. My mind churned, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions tangling together until I couldn't make sense of any of it. The thrum of my heartbeat grew louder in my ears. I was leaving - leaving my court, my home, and, most painfully, my friend. 

Leaving Kian.

I turned toward the window, sunlight streaming through the glass in golden ribbons that felt almost mocking. The thought of saying goodbye to him twisted my stomach into painful knots, the ache sharper than I'd anticipated.

I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear the soft knock at my door - or see Kian slip his head inside until he spoke.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice a soothing rumble that broke through the storm of my thoughts. 

I blinked and turned to see him leaning against the doorway, a small, tentative smile playing on his lips. "May I come in?"

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak, and he stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. His eyes drifted to the scattered bags on the floor before landing on me. 

Kian's presence filled the room, a comforting contrast to the chaos inside my mind. His tall, muscular frame seemed to absorb the tension, grounding me in the moment. His curly brown hair fell in soft waves around his face, and his tanned skin bore the golden glow of countless hours spent under the sun. But it was his green eyes that held me - their usual spark of mischief and warmth was dulled, replaced by something softer, sadder.

"You seem tense," he said, his tone light and teasing, though the concern in his gaze betrayed him. He crossed the room with quiet, measured steps until he stood just a breath away, close enough for me to feel the steady calm he always carried with him.

I forced a small smile, but it felt brittle, like it might crack under the weight of my emotions. "I'm fine," I said, though the hollowness in my voice betrayed me. "Just...a lot on my mind, I guess."

Kian raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical and knowing. "Sure you are," he replied, his tone dry. "You forget, I can feel your emotions, remember? You can't hide anything from me." 

A sigh escaped me, my shoulders slumping in defeat. He was right, of course. He had empathetic abilities, he could sense my feelings as clearly as if I'd spoken them aloud. "Fine," I admitted, my voice quieter now. "I'm not fine. I'm a mess. I'm scared, and confused, and...angry."

Kian's gaze softened, the concern in his green eyes cutting through my defenses. He placed a hand on my shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding me. "I know," he said gently. "It's a lot to take in. But aren't you at least a little excited? Finding your mate is rare. It's something incredible, something most fae only dream about."

"Excited?" I let out a dry, humorless laugh that scratched my throat. "I don't know about that. I don't feel excited right now. I feel like my entire life is being turned upside down, and I have no control over any of it. Is that supposed to feel exciting?"

Kian studied me carefully, his hand still resting firmly on my shoulder. "Being forced to leave your home isn't fair," he acknowledged, his voice steady. "But the bond...you can't deny it, Verena. That pull you feel toward Sebastian - it's not something you can ignore. No one can."

"I know," I admitted softly, my gaze falling to the floor as I ducked my head, unable to meet his piercing green eyes. "I feel it. The pull, the connection...it's strong, and it's real. But that doesn't make it easier. Leaving you, leaving my home...it feels like I'm losing a part of myself."

Kian's hand remained steady on my shoulder, offering silent comfort before he gave it a gentle squeeze. "Look at the bright side," he said, his tone shifting, a hint of teasing slipping into his voice. "You'll get to be queen of the Spring Court. That's pretty impressive, isn't it?"

I rolled my eyes, but a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

He chuckled, finally letting his hand fall away. "Maybe a little," he admitted, his grin breaking through the somber mood. "I won't lie, the thought of you ruling over an entire court does have its appeal. You'd make a terrifying queen."

"Terrifying?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow at him. 

"In the best way," he clarified quickly, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "Commanding, determined, maybe a little dramatic - perfect queen material."

Despite myself, I laughed softly, the sound easing the heaviness in my chest. "You're terrible," I muttered, shaking my head. 

"But you're smiling," he pointed out triumphantly. "And that's all that matters."

I mock-glared at him, but there was no real heat behind it. "You just want the privilege of being able to say 'my queen' to me without me hitting you."

Kian threw his head back and laughed, a loud, unrestrained sound that filled the room. "See, you know me so well," he said, still grinning. "I admit, having the chance to call you 'my queen' is tempting. But it's more than that."

He took a step closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. "You're going to be a great queen, you know. The Spring Court needs someone strong, fair, and compassionate. And you...you're all of those things and more."

I snorted derisively, my doubt clear in my voice. "A great queen? I don't know about that. I'm an archer, not a ruler. I don't know the first thing about being royalty. I've been training as a warrior since I could walk, not as a political figurehead." 

Kian chuckled again, his expression calm and assured. "Being a warrior doesn't preclude you from being a good ruler," he pointed out. "Your time on the battlefield have given you valuable skills. Strategy, courage, determination...those are all qualities a good queen needs."

I crossed my arms, still unconvinced. "Maybe, but how am I supposed to rule a court full of strangers when all I've known is fighting for my life?"

Kian gave me a knowing look, his expression softening. "Because you've always fought for others, Verena. For the ones you love, for what's right. That's what will make you a good queen. You won't be alone in this."

I met his eyes, my throat tightening. The knot of fear in my chest loosened just a little at his words. "I don't want to lose myself, Kian," I whispered, the vulnerability slipping through. "I don't want to change into someone I'm not just because I have a crown to wear."

Kian's expression softened further, and he took another step closer, his presence a steady comfort. "You won't lose yourself. You'll be the same Verena, only...stronger. You'll lead with your heart, the way you always have. And I'll be here to remind you who you are, even when it feels like you're losing your way." 

The realization sank in, and a shadow passed over my expression. "But I won't have much time to see you, will I?" I asked, my voice growing quiet. The thought of not being able to spend time with Kian, to talk and laugh like usual, was a painful one. 

Kian's smile faltered, his eyes softening with understanding. He reached out and grasped my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "Hey," he said gently, "don't look like that. We'll find time, I promise. I'll visit the Spring Court as often as I can, and you'll come back to the Autumn Court for visits too, right?"

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest didn't ease much. "Of course," I said quietly. "But it won't be the same. It won't be...us. We won't have the freedom to just...be together, like we do now."

Kian sighed, a heavy exhale that echoed my own feelings. "Yeah," he agreed. "It won't be the same. But things change, Verena. We can't stop that. And sometimes, change can be good. You're going to be queen, remember? That's a pretty big deal. You get to rule an entire court, shape its future, make a difference."

I took a shaky breath, trying to hold back the wave of emotions swirling inside me. Kian's words made sense; I knew they did. But the idea of my life being completely uprooted, my world changing in every conceivable way...it was overwhelming.

Kian seemed to sense my internal struggle. He stepped closer, pulling me into a strong hug. "It's okay to be scared," he murmured, his voice low and comforting. "Change is scary. But you're strong, and you're smart. You can handle this. And you won't be alone. You have Sebastian, you have the Spring Court, and you have me."

I wrapped my arms around KIan, burying my face against his chest. His familiar scent, earthy and musky, filled my nostrils, calming me in a way few things could. "I know," I whispered, my words muffled against his shirt. "I just...don't want to leave you."

Kian squeezed me tighter, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I don't want you to go," he admitted, his voice roughening with emotion. "But it's the way it has to be. You and Sebastian are mates. You're destined to be together, as much as that sucks for me. I'll miss you every damn day you're gone, but I'll be okay. And you will be too."

I nodded, fighting back tears that insisted on welling up in my eyes. "I just...I'll miss you so much," I choked out. "Who will annoy me when I'm trying to train? Who will share food with me in the mess hall? Who will argue with me for no reason, or drag me off on insane adventures when I'm supposed to be studying?"

Kian chuckled, the sound tinged with sadness. "You make me sound like a pain in the ass," he said, but his tone was gentle. "Is that all I am to you, just someone to annoy you?"

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, a watery smile playing on my lips. "You're more than that, and you know it," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're my best friend, Kian. My anchor when everything feels like it's spinning out of control. I don't know how to do this without you."

His expression softened, and he brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch light and comforting. "You're not losing me, Verena," he said firmly. "You're just starting a new chapter. One that doesn't include me as much as we'd like, sure, but I'll always be here for you. No matter what. You need me, I'll come running. That's a promise." 

I let out a shaky breath, his words a balm to the ache in my chest. "You'd better keep that promise," I said, attempting to inject a bit of levity into the heavy moment. "Because if you don't, I'll hunt you down, mate bond or no mate bond."

Kian laughed, a genuine sound this time, and the tension between us eased just a little. "I'd expect nothing less from you," he said, his green eyes crinkling with amusement. "You've always been a bit scary when you're determined."

His gaze fell to the half-packed bags around us, and he knelt down, picking up one of the items I'd abandoned in m turmoil. "You're running out of time, Ver," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Let me help." 

I hesitated, looking down at the mess of belongings scattered across the room. "You don't have to-"

"Don't argue," he interrupted, flashing me a crooked smile. "You know I'll be better at organizing this chaos than you are. Besides, what kind of best friend would I be if I left you to tackle this alone?"

A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. "Fine. But don't expect me to follow your system when I unpack."

He rolled his eyes dramatically, but there was warmth in his expression. "Noted. Now, where should I start? Clothes? Books? Or this extremely questionable collection of random trinkets?"

I huffed a laugh, sitting down beside him. "Those 'questionable trinkets' are important. Start with the clothes if you're going to question my treasures."

Kian grinned, grabbing a stack of folded clothes and carefully placing them in my bag. "Deal. Just don't yell at me later if something's wrinkled." 

As we worked together, the heaviness in the air began to lift, replaced by the familiar ease of our companionship. Kian's steady presence anchored me, his occasional teasing pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. For a while, it almost felt like nothing was changing - that this moment of normalcy could stretch on forever. 

But deep down, I knew it wouldn't. 

A sound by the door caught my attention. I turned, just in time to see Sebastian step into the room, his eyes fixed on me. His arrival was silent, and the sight of him suddenly standing there, watching us, sent a pang of bittersweet emotions through me. 

I could feel Kian tense beside me, his body going rigid as he too became aware of Sebastian's presence.

Sebastian was dressed casually in a loose fitting gray shirt, the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His black trousers were dark against his skin, the material hugging his muscular thighs. His messy hair fell around his forehead, and as always, his gaze was intense. 

He took a step further into the room, his eyes flicking to Kian with a terse nod of acknowledgement. Kian returned the gesture, though his jaw was tight, his expression guarded. 

The air between them grew heavy, a silent tension filling the room like a storm cloud. It felt as if they were sizing each other up, two forces unwilling to yield. 

Sebastian's attention finally returned to me, his expression softening. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice calm but weighted with expectation. 

I hesitated, glancing at the half-packed bags scattered across the floor. My chest tightened. "Almost," I murmured, my voice quieter than I intended. 

Before I could say more, Kian shifted beside me, stepping forward as if to shield me. "She's got it covered," he said, his tone steady but clipped. "We were just finishing."

Sebastian's jaw twitched, his gaze cool as it rested on Kian for a moment too long. "Good," he said simply, his voice carrying the faintest edge. "The Spring Court doesn't have much patience for delays." 

Both of them seemed to realize how thick the tension had become. Sebastian exhaled quietly, running a hand through his hair, while Kian stepped back, his arms crossing over his chest. 

"I'll wait outside," Sebastian said after a pause, his tone softer now as he met my eyes. "Take whatever time you need." 

He lingered for a moment before turning and leaving, his steps purposeful but not hurried. 

The door clicked shut, and I let out a slow breath, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. 

"You okay?" Kian asked, his voice low and full of concern. 

I nodded, though my chest still felt tight. "Let's just finish packing."

Kian didn't say anything more, but his presence beside me, steady and familiar, was enough to make me feel like I could keep going. 

Kian bent down to zip the final bag, his movements precise and deliberate. "Well," he said, straightening up and brushing his hands together. "I think that's everything."

I glanced around the room, taking in the neatly packed bags and the now-bare shelves. The sight stirred a bittersweet ache in my chest, but I swallowed it down. "Yeah," I said softly, more to myself than to Kian. "That's everything."

He gave me a reassuring smile, picking up two of the heavier bags with ease. "Come on," he said, gesturing toward the door with his chin. "Let's get these outside. Sebastian's probably waiting."

I hesitated for a moment, my gaze lingering on the room - the place I'd called home for so long. Then, with a deep breath, I grabbed the remaining bag and followed Kian out. 

The crisp autumn air greeted us as we stepped into the courtyard, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves. I scanned the space, and sure enough, Sebastian was there, waiting patiently near the fountain. 

Sebastian's gaze flicked over to Kian, who was standing quietly off to the side. The two men regarded each other for a long moment, a silent communication passing between them.

Then Sebastian turned back to me, his expression softening. "You'll be able to see Kian often once you settle in," he said firmly. "As often as you want."

A wave of relief washed over me at Sebastian's words. Knowing that I wouldn't be completely cut off from Kian was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. "Really?" I asked, my voice hopeful. "You'd really let him visit me often?"

Sebastian nodded, his gaze still fixed on mine. "Of course," he assured me. "Kian is your best friend, isn't he? I won't keep you from him. You'll have plenty of time to see him."

The tension eased from my shoulders, and I let out a long breath. Knowing that I wouldn't be completely cut off from Kian lifted a huge weight off my chest. I managed a small smile, looking at Sebastian with a mix of gratitude and relief. "I am very grateful," I said quietly. "That really means a lot to me."

Sebastian's eyes softened. "You're very welcome," he replied, his voice warm. "I understand how important Kian is to you. And I have no intention of keeping you two apart."

I let out a long breath, some of the tension finally draining from my body. I was still nervous, still scared of everything that lay ahead, but Sebastian's words did help ease the knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"You're not alone in this," he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. "You have me. You have the Spring Court."

I nodded, my amber eyes locking onto his piercing blue ones. The intensity of his gaze made my chest tighten and my heart pound. Sebastian exuded a strength and confident that was both a comfort and a challenge. How was I supposed to measure up to someone like him?

"I know," I whispered, my voice trembling under the weight of my emotions. "I just...I don't want to disappoint anyone. Least of all you."

Sebastian's expression softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet oddly calming.

"You won't," he said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "You could never disappoint me, Verena. And you certainly won't let anyone down."

His words eased some of the tension in my chest, though they couldn't erase it entirely. He stepped back.

"We should get going," he said after a moment, his tone turning more formal. He glanced briefly at Kian, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, before looking back at me. "Are you ready?"

I hesitated, the weight of the goodbye I still needed to say pressing down on me. Taking a deep breath, I turned toward Kian, my eyes drinking in the familiarity of his face.

"I guess this is it," I said, my voice wavering with the weight of the moment. "I'm...really going to miss you."

Kian's jaw tightened, his usual relaxed demeanor faltering as he swallowed hard. It was clear he was just as affected by the separation as I was. "You better not forget about me," he said, trying to sound casual, but the crack in his voice betrayed him.

I gave him a small, shaky smile, forcing myself to hold it together. "You heard Sebastian," I replied, repeating his earlier promise. "You can visit whenever you want. I won't forget you, and you can annoy me as much as you like."

Kian let out a laugh, a short bark of sound, his expression softening despite himself. "You can bet your sweet ass I'm gonna visit," he said, his sarcasm returning with his familiar ease. "Otherwise, I'll never hear the end of it from you."

I rolled my eyes, but the weight on my chest lifted slightly. Kian was trying to keep things light, and I appreciated the effort. "Exactly," I said, matching his tone. "You'll get tired of my endless complaining, so you better come visit often to save yourself from the headache."

Kian smirked, the cocky grin so familiar that it made my chest ache. "More like I'll be bored out of my mind without your constant whining," he shot back. "You're like a little burr in my side that I can't shake off."

I tried to suppress my smile, determined not to let him see how much I was going to miss his smartass comments. "Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you'll be pining away without me."

Just then, Sebastian's voice cut through our banter, gentle but firm. "We really should get going," he said, a quiet reminder that our time was running out.

I turned back to Kian, biting my lower lip to keep my emotions in check. "I guess I'll see you soon," I said quietly, my voice thick with the unshed tears I was desperately holding back.

Kian reached out, pulling me into a tight hug. His arms wrapped around me like a vice, holding me close. I buried my face against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent, trying to memorize the feel of him.

We held each other for a long moment, neither of us wanting to let go. Finally, reluctantly, I pulled back, slowly untangling myself from his embrace. I kept my gaze on him, committing every detail of his face to memory. 

Kian's eyes were tinged with sadness, though he forced a smile, his attempt at keeping things lighthearted. "You better take care of yourself, or I'll kick your ass when I come visit," he said, his voice gruff but warm.

I let out a watery laugh at his threat, the sound shaky but genuine. "I'll be fine," I promised, though the words felt heavier than I intended. "And you - try to behave yourself when I'm gone."

Sebastian cleared his throat again, the sound more pointed this time. I shot him a quick glare over my shoulder, catching the impatience in his eyes, though it was tempered by understanding. It was time.

Turning back to Kian, my heart twisted painfully in my chest. "I...I guess this is it," I repeated, my voice barely a whisper. The words trembled, weighed down by the finality.

Kian nodded, his jaw tight. "You bet your ass it is," he replied, his voice hoarse with restrained emotion. He managed a half-smile, the expression bittersweet. "Be good, Verena. And don't forget - you're never alone. I'll see you soon."

Fighting the sting of tears, I forced myself to turn away, each step feeling heavier than the last. I came to stand beside Sebastian, his steady presence grounding me in the chaos of my emotions. 

With one last glance at Kian, I gave him a small, trembling nod. Then, turning to Sebastian, I slid my hand into his outstretched one. His grip was firm, grounding me in the swirl of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. I held on tightly, drawing strength from the warmth of his touch. 

Sebastian's gaze briefly flicked to Kian, a silent acknowledgement passing between them, before he looked back at me. His expression was calm, offering reassurance without words. 

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Though my heart still ached, I knew I couldn't linger any longer. "Let's go," I murmured, my voice barely audible. 

Sebastian gave my hand a gentle squeeze before leading me forward. Behind me, I could feel Kian's gaze lingering, but I didn't dare turn back.