It was Edgar, the old steward who had served the Graywolf Pack for forty winters.
He had watched Fredrik grow from a young wolf into an Alpha and had seen everything that happened between us.
Edgar stepped closer, shaking his head. "Lady, why don’t you explain to Alpha Graywolf? You gave up so much for him back then."
I smiled faintly. "Do you think words would change anything? What was between him and me should have ended seven winters ago."
Edgar frowned deeply.
"I fear that one day he will regret this, Lady."
"He has nothing to regret. He has the pack, the power, and the woman he loves. He already has everything he ever wanted."
I smiled softly.
Back then, I had no choice. For Fredrik’s sake, I agreed to form a bond with Layne, who was obsessed with me.
I never thought things would connect again between me and Fredrik.
But when he fought his way to the top of the Graywolf pack and came to take me back himself, hope still rose in my heart.
I told myself that the bond we formed when we were eighteen would not break. That even if misunderstandings grew between us, our feelings would remain.
But Fredrik never gave me the chance to speak.
I returned to the bedroom and took out the old album I had hidden.
Every page held memories of us.
His smile under the sunlight. His hand slipping into mine. His jacket resting over my shoulders when I fell asleep.
I removed the framed portrait from the wall.
Two weeks ago, I had stood beside him, smiling, believing I held the whole world.
I threw both the album and the portrait into the trash.
Ten winters of misplaced love. It was time to let go.
Footsteps came from behind. Zora entered.
Her eyes drifted to the trash, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
"Caylin, I told Fredrik I fear the dark, and he said this room is the brightest in the house. He wants me to stay here." She tilted her head slightly. "So pack your things quickly. I need the space."
This room filled with sunlight carried too many memories of my life with Fredrik.
I once believed I would give birth to his pups here and remain for the rest of my life.
I looked at Zora’s satisfied expression and lowered my gaze.
"Alright. It is yours, Luna."
I packed quickly. I did not take anything Fredrik had given me. Everything I owned fit into a single case.
I moved into a storage room near the entrance. It would be easier to leave when the time came.
As I opened the door, dust filled the air, making me cough. The room was messy, the bed covered in old items.
But it was enough for one night.
One night was all that remained.
Past four in the morning, the temperature dropped sharply. Cold wind howled outside like a wounded beast.
Fredrik returned, carrying the chill of the night with him.
Edgar stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Alpha, Lady Celviere has moved to the storage room. Her health is not good. Perhaps you could..."
Fredrik’s face darkened. He walked straight to the storage room and pushed the door open with force.
I sat on the edge of the bed, taking my medicine. He stood at the door, his jaw tight, his eyes burning.
"Caylin, what are you trying to prove? Who are you acting for now?"
I looked at him, confused. "Didn’t you tell me to leave the room?"
"Zora only wanted the main room. She didn’t ask you to live in a place like this. Are you trying to make others think I mistreat you?"
I smiled calmly. "It doesn’t matter where I sleep."
He grabbed my wrist, took the medicine from my hand, and pushed me onto the dusty bed. Before I could react, he pressed his lips against mine.
I could not avoid it, so I bit down hard.
Fredrik pulled back at once. I wiped my lips again and again.
His touch felt unbearable.
His eyes turned cold and sharp. "Don’t wipe it away. Who do you think you are to feel disgusted? I have not even spoken about your past."
His words cut deeply. He always knew how to hurt me the most.
As I struggled, he tore open my clothes, revealing the scar on my lower abdomen. I got that scar before he left, when I stepped into danger to protect him and our unborn pup. The impact broke my ribs and took my five-month pup from me. I almost died that day.
Fredrik stared at the scar. For a brief moment, something like regret appeared in his eyes, but it disappeared quickly.
"You keep this scar as a reminder. Is this how you make me feel guilty?"
"Caylin, I owe you nothing. The most shameful person here is you. Do not forget what you did before."
I held back my tears and laughed.
"You are right, Alpha. I am shameful. I have never seen it so clearly before, how rotten I truly am."
