While the pack scrambled in chaos over Ariella’s cries, I slipped through the side gate and melted into the trees. My heart pounded as I reached the edge of the border.
Just a little farther, and I could finally leave behind everything.
“Where do you think you’re going, Luna?”
I froze.
Ashenclaw warriors—stepped out from the shadows. Their expressions were hard and cold.
“What is this?” I asked, my voice was low and controlled. “Marcus knew I was leaving. He said nothing about—”
One of them—Ronan—stepped forward. “Alpha’s order had changed. You need to come back with us.”
I narrowed my eyes. “No. I’m not coming back. He no longer needs me, and the pack will be welcoming a new Luna soon.”
None of them answered.
And without another word, they lunged.
I turned on my heel, ready to bolt—but their hands caught me before I could shift. Claws dug into my arms. I struggled, snarling, my wolf howling inside me.
“You’re making this harder than it needs to be,” Ronan growled.
“Let me go!”
Suddenly, one of them pulled out a vial.
The stench hit me first.
Wolfsbane.
“No—” I gasped, stumbling as the burning liquid splashed across my skin. It was like fire, licking through my veins, paralyzing me.
They grabbed my arms, legs, and yanked me down into submission. My vision blurred and everything went black.
—
When I woke again, my mouth was dry, my limbs numb. The ropes still dug into my wrists. I blinked slowly, the chamber swimming into view.
And then, as if on cue, the door creaked open.
Marcus stepped inside.
Calm. Composed. Like nothing had happened.
“You’re awake,” he said gently, as if we were still playing house. “How are you feeling?”
I turned my face away. “You have the nerve to ask that?”
He took a step closer and untied the ropes around my wrist. “Esther—”
“Let me go,” I snapped, my voice hoarse but steady. “Just let me go, Marcus. Sever the bond and be with Ariella. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”
"You can even kill me just for her," I added bitterly.
Marcus’s expression hardened. “Don't be overly dramatic. Aren't you fine? Ariella was in pain, and the baby—”
At that moment, my phone suddenly buzzed, and a few messages popped on the screen.
[Did you go back on your words? You’re not here.]
My breath hitched.
He waited for me...
Taking a deep breath, I pushed a reply with a trembling hand.
[Something happened. Sorry.]
Immediately, I received a reply.
[I’m coming to get you. Even if I have to rip through your Alpha to do it.]
For the first time in hours, my heart raced.
Marcus didn’t notice. He was too busy trying to explain something I no longer cared to hear.
[Just wait for me, I'll take care of my business here.] I smiled lightly.
Marcus’s gaze lingered on me longer than usual, his jaw clenched. “Why are you ignoring me? Who are you talking to?”
I didn’t even look up. “It’s just a friend.”
“A friend?” he repeated sternly.
Before I could react, his hand shot out. He snatched the phone from my grip.
“Marcus!” I snapped, reaching for it, but he was already holding it out of reach.
“Unlock it.” His eyes were sharp, demanding.
I folded my arms. “You already know the password.”
His expression darkened. “What is it?”
“Our wedding anniversary,” I said flatly, watching him like a hawk.
He scoffed and began tapping numbers. Once. Twice. Three times.
The phone vibrated, but it didn't unlock.
He frowned, tried again—reverse order, month first, but still nothing.
His fingers hovered. “This isn’t our anniversary,” he said slowly.
I said nothing.
Rage twisted his features. “What the hell is the password then, Esther?!”
I stared him down. “You tell me.”
My words seemed to touch a nerve. With a growl, he hurled the phone across the room. It hit the wall with a sharp crack, the screen exploding into spiderwebs.
I didn’t flinch. Just watched the pieces fall.
