Fianna's POV
I didn't hesitate.
The moment I ended the call with my father, I grabbed the first suitcase I saw and dragged it into the bedroom. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to stay focused.
There was no time to think. If I stopped for even a moment, the truth I had just learned would crush me.
I pulled open drawers, grabbed clothes without care, and threw them into the suitcases.
While folding a dress, my hands suddenly stopped.
It was the one Danica loved.
"Mommy, you look like a Moon Princess in this."
My chest tightened. I swallowed hard. Tears filled my eyes, but I forced them back.
Not now.
I shoved another shirt into the suitcase.
Then the bedroom door opened.
"Fianna?" Bastien called from behind me. "What are you doing?"
I closed the suitcase and turned around with a fake smile.
"Just sorting out my wardrobe."
His eyes narrowed as he looked around the messy room.
He opened his mouth to speak, but another voice interrupted him.
"Hello, Fianna."
I froze.
My stomach twisted.
Valeska.
I hadn't realized she had entered with Bastien.
Before I could stop myself, my eyes dropped to her chest. To the place where my daughter's heart beat.
A violent urge rose inside me.
I wanted to tear it out with my own claws. I clenched my fists so hard my nails cut into my palms.
My daughter's heart was inside her. Yet she stood in my bedroom smiling at me.
But I only said nothing. Because if I spoke, I would scream.
Then I noticed the luggage. Two expensive suitcases stood behind Bastien.
My brows furrowed.
Bastien followed my gaze. Before I could ask, he smiled as if bringing wonderful news.
"Valeska will be staying with us for a while."
I blinked. "What?"
Before Bastien could continue, Valeska stepped forward with a cheerful laugh.
"Didn't Bastien tell you? I'm carrying a pup."
Her hand rested on her stomach, a bright smile on her face, as if she expected me to gasp, congratulate her, and pull her into a hug.
Instead, I raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Her smile wavered.
For a brief second, her mask slipped. Shock flashed across her face at my cold reaction.
Then she quickly recovered. Her lower lip trembled as she tried to look hurt.
"I thought you'd be happy for me, Fianna. After everything we've shared."
Happy?
The word burned through me.
What exactly was I supposed to celebrate? The fact that she had stolen everything from me?
Before I could answer, Bastien cut in sharply.
"Fianna, what’s wrong with you? She's your closest friend. You should be happy for her. Instead, you're acting resentful and jealous."
I slowly turned to him, a mocking smile on my lips.
Jealous? Resentful?
"Jealous?" I repeated coldly. "Why would I be jealous?"
His eyes flashed. "Because she's having a pup, and you..."
He stopped.
But it was too late. The wound had already been opened.
Because I lost mine.
Because he murdered mine.
I drew a slow breath, fighting to stay calm. "Then explain something to me, Bastien."
I pointed at Valeska.
"Why is she moving into this pack house? Why does she suddenly need to live here?"
Bastien’s jaw tightened as he stepped closer.
"Because she shouldn't be alone right now. She needs support. She needs protection. That pup needs people around it."
"People?" I asked quietly.
"Yes," Valeska added softly, trying to sound helpless. "Only until things calm down. I thought you'd understand better than anyone."
Bastien nodded.
"Exactly. She needs us. She's our family too, Fianna."
A sarcastic laugh escaped me. "She's not my family."
Valeska flinched. Bastien frowned.
"Why can't you be happy for her, Fianna? Instead of celebrating, you're acting like this." He pointed at me with clear disgust. "Listen to yourself. It's embarrassing."
Embarrassing?
The word cut deep. But I refused to react.
I tilted my head and looked between them with a bitter smile.
"The way you're acting makes me curious, Bastien."
My voice remained calm.
"Is the pup yours?"
Silence filled the room.
Bastien's jaw twitched, while Valeska widened her eyes in fake shock.
"Don't be absurd," Bastien snapped. "Of course it isn't mine."
"Really?"
I raised a brow. "Then why is she moving in with us? Why are you defending her so fiercely?"
"She's alone, Fianna!" Bastien barked. "She has nobody else, and she's carrying a pup. What kind of monster would turn her away?"
What kind of monster sacrifices his own daughter?
The question echoed inside my mind.
But I kept it to myself.
Instead, I turned back to the suitcase and pulled the zipper closed.
"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish organizing my things."
Bastien muttered something to Valeska. Then the two of them left the room together.
The second the door closed behind them, my smile disappeared.
My hands shook as I gripped the suitcase.
