Fredrik’s pupils shrank sharply.
Zora took the earrings and went still, too shocked to even continue her act.
I looked at Fredrik. My eyes were empty.
"I have apologized. I gave everything to her. Can I leave now?"
His lips tightened, and a deep line formed between his brows. He was about to speak when Zora let out a weak cry and leaned into him.
"When Caylin pushed me earlier, I twisted my ankle. It feels swollen now."
Fredrik lifted her at once, placing her gently onto a chair as if she were fragile.
Then he knelt before her, those same hands that ruled over powerful pack deals now carefully rubbing her ankle.
He moved with ease, as though this was something he had done many times before.
The music rose again. Laughter and voices filled the hall, and the feast continued as if nothing had happened.
I turned and walked away, heading upstairs, leaving behind the shining hall that no longer belonged to me.
Fredrik’s gaze followed my back, lingering until I disappeared beyond the stairs.
Back in my room, I searched for the medicine the healer had given me and swallowed it with cold water.
As soon as it settled, a sharp pain gripped my stomach.
I clenched my teeth and forced myself to the washroom, pressing a cloth soaked in alcohol against my bleeding ears.
In the mirror, my face looked pale and lifeless.
It was the face of someone who had finally let go of all strength and found nothing left inside.
Love, no matter how deep, still had an end. Even a love that lasted ten winters.
Exhaustion pulled me down, and I fell into a heavy sleep.
But it was not empty.
In my dream, I returned to nine winters ago, when Fredrik and I still loved each other.
Back then, the Graywolf pack was close to ruin. Fredrik, seen as a rejected son, was constantly suppressed by Layne, barely allowed freedom, forced to endure each day.
It was my nineteenth birthday. He had climbed over the walls in the dead of night, risking punishment just to see me.
He carried a small cake against his chest, the skin beneath it burned red.
When he placed it in my hands, it was still warm.
Tears filled my eyes. "Why would you do something like this? If I wanted one, I could have it made."
"And you should not have come out for me either. If Layne finds out, he will make things worse for you."
He held my hands tightly, his eyes red.
"Caylin, this is all I can give you now. But I promise, one day I will make every day of your life full of happiness."
I ate that cake through my tears.
It was soft and sweet. The best thing I had ever tasted.
Between sleep and waking, I felt fingers brushing lightly across my forehead.
I curled closer, whispering weakly, "Fredrik, I want that cake..."
I thought I was still dreaming. But when I opened my eyes, a tray sat beside the bed.
On it was a delicate cake.
Chocolate, my favorite. Soft and light.
Fredrik sat at the edge of the bed.
"You are awake? How did you become this thin? Others might think I have been neglecting you."
He had not, not in a physical way.
I looked at the cake, but I felt no hunger.
It was not what I wanted anymore. Just like him.
Why did he come now? After everything? Pain first, then kindness?
"My stomach hurts. I cannot eat."
Fredrik reached out and pulled me into his arms.
My body stiffened. I tried to move away, but his hold tightened.
His other hand rested over me, warmth spreading from his palm. "Do not move. Let me help. Before, when you were unwell, this always worked."
The pain made it hard to resist. I leaned weakly against him.
"At the feast earlier, why did you not argue?"
His voice broke the silence suddenly.
I lowered my eyes, my tone calm and empty.
"You always tell me to remember my place. I gave her the bracelet and the earrings. Shouldn’t that please you?"
Something unreadable passed through his eyes.
He lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him.
A strong scent reached me at once. It was not mine. It was sweet and heavy, making my stomach turn.
"Zora and her father helped me greatly. I must repay that debt. But as long as you stay obedient, I will not deny you wealth or comfort. You have behaved well, so I will stay tonight. Take it as your reward."
His tone was careless, like tossing something insignificant.
Before I could react, his breath came close.
Then a weak voice sounded from outside.
"Fredrik, I feel dizzy. Are you there?"
The door opened before the words faded.
Zora froze when she saw us together. "What are you doing?"
Fredrik released me instantly.
Without hesitation, he pushed me away.
I fell to the ground, the impact making my head spin.
"Caylin was feeling unwell. I was only helping her."
The excuse came quickly. As if we had been caught in something wrong.
Zora’s eyes filled with tears as she stepped closer, looking down at me.
"But Caylin has always been healthy. I have never heard of her being sick."
Fredrik’s eyes darkened.
When he looked at me again, suspicion filled his face.
"Caylin. Are you truly unwell, or is this another act?"
I stood up slowly. My lips parted, but before I could speak, his voice cut through.
"You are the same as always. Never changing. You are skilled at pretending. It is unpleasant."
I had stopped hoping for anything from him long ago.
Yet hearing those words, my heart still tightened in pain.
