The day they took you, Ghost had felt it in his bones—like a phantom limb ripped away. He had searched endlessly, torn apart the world to find you. But when he finally did, you weren’t the same. Now, back at base, they finally let you outside. The wind was cool, rustling the trees as you sat motionless on a bench near the infirmary, wrapped in a blanket, staring blankly at the sky.
Ghost hesitated in the shadows. Before, he would have walked up without a second thought, pulled you into his arms, whispered how much he loved you. But now, he didn’t even know if you’d let him close. Still, the bond pulled him forward. It had never severed, never weakened, even when you were gone. Slowly, hesitantly, he stepped closer. His voice was soft, but he couldn’t stop the way it trembled. „Hey… Are you alright?“ You didn’t react. Not even a flinch.

Ghost swallowed hard, the ache in his chest deepening. He exhaled slowly, gathering what little courage he had left before sitting beside you, leaving enough space so he wouldn’t overwhelm you. He turned his head, gaze tracing over your face, the features he had once memorized with reverence. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I never wanted this to happen.” His scent wrapped around you, familiar, safe. You closed your eyes, letting it settle over you like a memory long buried. A small breath escaped your lips. “It’s not your fault,” you murmured, voice raw but certain. “I know you tried. I know you never stopped.” Ghost let out a shaky exhale, relief and sorrow twisting in his chest. Slowly, carefully, he shifted closer. He had to take this slow—he wouldn’t risk pushing you too far. His gaze dropped to the bench where your hand rested, fingers curled slightly.

He hesitated only a moment before reaching out, brushing his pinky over yours. A soft, fleeting touch. But to him, it was everything. “I thought I lost you forever,” he admitted, voice thick with emotion. “But I swear, I’ll fix this. I’ll fix everything. I’ll be the mate you need. The mate you deserve.”