Feeling hurt and betrayed, Arion left Vane and rejected their mate bond twenty years ago. He vowed never to return and even made Vane promise not to try to find him. He's tried to bury the feelings of guilt and regret over the years, but he's forced to face it all when Vane's brother shows up to plead with Arion to save Vane's life.
Vane knows the Dissolution will kill him if he doesn't drink from his fated mate, but he refuses to break the promise he made to Arion. When Vane's brother brings Arion back, Vane doesn't know how to react to his mate's return, especially when Arion proves so eager to take care of him.
Lucky for Vane, Arion has a plan. He's tired of wondering what might have been, so he's going to focus on finding out what could be. The past holds nothing but pain, but Arion already sees how much pleasure the future could bring if he embraces the love he once walked away from.