"Look! Is that the Alpha Barnes and Lady Facer?" a servant whispered in surprise.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I glanced at my crystal communicator. A traveler was recording stories about fated bonds, and by some twist of the moon, they had stopped Vladimir and Stella.
That man looked cold and detached as always, but the other one was radiating joy. He stood tall beside her, playing the part of the devoted mate.
The traveler read their random question aloud, "If the Moon Goddess sent you back five winters, what would you change?"
Stella frowned, pretending to struggle for an answer.
At the same time, Vladimir drew her into his arms. His voice was soft like a whisper under the moon, yet his words cut like claws. "I would have torn apart anyone who came near me with hidden intent, and I would make sure I found Stella much sooner."
His tenderness was meant for Stella. She leaned into him, her face lit with happiness, while every trace of his cruelty was reserved for me.
I gripped the screen until my knuckles turned white. His rejection still stung like a silver blade, but I was done mourning.
I took a portrait of Stella and placed it into the leather-bound book that held all his past lovers. Beneath her image, I wrote: 100. Goodbye. Then I locked it inside the Alpha’s desk along with the signed severance scrolls.
It was my final offering to him. I thought he would at least value the truth.
After that, I began to clear out my chambers.
When Vladimir and Stella returned to the den, I had just thrown a woven fur blanket into the waste bin.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
My body stiffened for a moment. "Throwing away things that belong in the trash," I replied calmly.
Vladimir walked over and saw the bin full of handmade crafts I had once made for him, along with several expensive dresses he had gifted me. "You never even wore these dresses. How can they be trash?" he frowned.
Without stopping my hands, I replied calmly, "Some things were never meant to fit. No point in forcing them."
Like us. After five winters in this pack, I finally saw the truth.
Vladimir seemed to catch the hidden meaning in my tone, his eyes narrowing. Before he could speak, Stella grabbed his arm and whined.
"Alpha, my wolf is restless. Can I rest in the main chamber tonight?" She asked, pointing toward our private chamber.
Vladimir pressed his lips together. "Stella just went through skin grafting after her shift injury. Nights are hard for her. It will be easier for me to take care of her if she stays in the alpha chamber."
I raised my eyes and met Stella’s openly defiant gaze. She was trying to provoke me.
After all, that chamber was my last territory.
In the past, I would have shifted and fought anyone who tried to enter my sanctuary. But now, the fire was gone.
I simply nodded. "Fine. I will remove my belongings."
That room was filled with every scrap of my soul. It took me hours to strip it bare.
When Vladimir saw the empty stone walls, he looked unsettled. "Stella is only here until her wounds heal. She will move to the guest wing soon. Why did you clear out every single thing?"
"I would rather have a fresh start later than hold onto old ghosts," I said calmly.
He watched me with deep suspicion. "Abigail, you are being too quiet. What game are you playing?"
I said nothing.
Then, all at once, Stella let out a soft, delighted gasp. “Oh, this bracelet is beautiful!”
I turned sharply and saw her holding a pale pink agate charm from my table. My heart pounded hard against my chest as I stepped toward her at once. “Give that back.”
