I Left Before He Learned My Worth novel Chapter 63

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth**

**Chapter 63**

**ARIA**

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“Perhaps she simply needs some time to adjust to this new reality,” I suggested softly, my voice laced with understanding. “It’s possible she’s trying to figure out how to be your friend within these new boundaries. This doesn’t mean your friendship is over; it merely signifies that it’s evolving.”

Kael fell silent, his expression contemplative as he absorbed my words. I could feel his thoughts swirling through our bond, a mixture of hope and confusion as he grappled with the idea of maintaining his friendship with Ivory while recognizing that she seemed to be distancing herself.

“Did she mention anything else?” he inquired, his tone edged with concern. “Did she say why she’s avoiding me? Did I do something wrong?”

“She only mentioned that she’s busy with work,” I replied, carefully choosing my words. It was technically true, though it didn’t capture the entire picture. “She’s focused on developing new remedies and doesn’t have much time for socializing.”

Another half-truth, yet another layer of protection for Ivory’s secret while still being honest with my mate.

Kael nodded slowly, though uncertainty lingered in his gaze. “I should probably try talking to her again. Not just the casual greetings we exchange in passing, but a real conversation. I want to ensure she knows that our friendship still matters to me.”

“Maybe it would be wise to give her a bit more time first,” I suggested gently. “Allow her to work through whatever she’s processing. Sometimes, when you push for connection before someone is ready, it only drives them further away.”

“Is that what you think is happening?” Kael asked, his brow furrowed in thought. “Do you really believe she’s processing something?”

“I think she’s been through a lot,” I replied cautiously, weighing my words. “The attack during the ceremony, the injuries she sustained, witnessing the pack undergo significant changes. Perhaps she just needs the space to adjust to all of this.”

It wasn’t the complete truth, but it was true enough to protect what I suspected Ivory wished to keep private.

Kael finally nodded, accepting my explanation, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely satisfied. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face with a tenderness that made my heart flutter.

“Thank you,” he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “For caring about Ivory, even though she’s not exactly warm toward you. For checking on her. For trying to understand what she’s going through.”

“She’s important to you,” I replied simply, my gaze steady. “That makes her important to me, even if she doesn’t seem to like me very much.”

“She’ll come around,” Kael said, a hint of confidence in his voice that I wished I could share. “Once she sees what a good Luna you are, once she gets to know you better, she’ll realize you’re exactly what this pack needs.”

I wanted to believe him, but based on my conversation with Ivory, I suspected that bridging the gap between us would require much more than just time and good intentions.

Kael stood, extending his hand to help me rise from the bath. “Come on. Dinner will be ready soon, and after the day you’ve had, you deserve a good meal and some relaxation.”

I took his hand, allowing him to pull me up, and he wrapped me in the large towel that Margo had left warming by the fire. As he held me close, I leaned into his warmth, drawing comfort from the bond that connected us.

This was hard. Being Luna was proving to be more challenging than I had anticipated. The resistance from the pack, the ongoing tensions with Ivory, the constant sensation of walking on unstable ground—it all weighed heavily on me in ways I hadn’t expected.

But I had Kael. I had his unwavering support, his partnership, and the growing affection between us that was slowly transforming into something deeper. And I had my own determination, a stubborn refusal to surrender even when faced with adversity.

That had to be enough.

Because I wasn’t going anywhere. I had made my choice. I had accepted this position, this responsibility, this challenge. And I was determined to see it through, no matter how many polite dismissals I encountered or how many people believed I wasn’t worthy.

I would prove them wrong. Not through grand gestures or dramatic declarations, but through steady, consistent dedication. Through showing up every single day and striving to serve this pack, even when they didn’t particularly want my service.

Through becoming the Luna they didn’t yet realize they needed.

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