Chapter 156

Alpha Rolan's POV 

The weight of the world seemed to sit squarely on my shoulders as I packed the last of my clothes into a leather bag. I had made a promise to myself, no work, no distractions. 

This time away was for Pandora, and for us. I couldn’t remember the last time I truly focused on my wife without letting my duties as Alpha interfere. 

Our relationship, once a sanctuary, now felt strained, as though the walls of formality were rising between us. 

Pandora had noticed, too. The way she looked at me lately, with a mixture of hope and sadness, tore at me. I had to fix this. I had to make her happy again. 

I glanced toward the door, listening for any sign of her. She was likely busy preparing for the trip, unaware of the secret meeting I had arranged with Caleb. 

He was the only person I could count on in times like these. He was sharp, observant, and knew the intricacies of palace politics bette