“The Council,” I replied truthfully.
He grunted, his attention already shifting to his phone. He didn’t ask for details. He never did.
I didn’t argue or explain. Instead, I began drafting my resignation letter on my phone, knowing that my time here was coming to an end.
---
Cassian picked up the glass of herbal tonic I prepared for him every night, only to find it empty. His eyes flicked toward me, confusion flashing across his face.
“Celia, I showed your injury report to the healer,” he said after a moment. “She said it’s superficial. Just make sure to keep it dry.”
I didn’t look up from my phone as I typed. “Got it.”
He furrowed his brows, clearly unsettled by my lack of reaction, but before he could say anything, his phone buzzed. A faint smile spread across his lips as he turned and walked into his study, leaving me alone.
Once he was gone, I reached for the old phone I kept hidden—a private account that Cassian didn’t know about.
I scrolled through the pack forum until I found his latest post.
It was visible to everyone in the pack except me.
“Apology from Alpha Cassian Vexis: I broke my promise to the most hardworking Beta in the pack. I promised to leave work on time and take her for a run under the full moon. I’ll do better next time.”
My lips curled into a bitter smile as I hit the like button. A moment later, a notification appeared—a confirmation from Darius regarding my Council contract.
I signed it without hesitation.
---
The next morning, Cassian woke early and returned to the packhouse with a bag of food from the local market.
“Your favorite,” he said, placing the bag in front of me.
I opened it, only to find venison pies inside.
My stomach churned. “Cassian, I’ve been allergic to venison since I was a child.”
His expression flickered for just a moment before he stood abruptly, his tone cold. “Stop making a fuss. Eat it or don’t.”
He started to leave, but I wasn’t done.
“Wait,” I said, stepping into the bedroom. When I returned, I carried a small bag.
“Give this to Emira when you see her later,” I said, my voice calm.
Cassian opened the bag, his eyes widening at the sight of the lace lingerie inside. He opened his mouth as if to explain, but I cut him off.
“Just tell her not to leave her things lying around in our bedroom.”
He hesitated, then nodded. “Fine.”
“Okay,” I replied, my tone void of emotion.
For a moment, I thought he might say something more, but instead, he turned and walked away.
---
The bond between Cassian and me pulsed faintly in my chest—a constant, suffocating reminder of what we were supposed to be. But after everything, it felt more like a chain than a blessing.
I had loved him once, fiercely and completely. But now, all I felt was emptiness.
…..
