I lowered my gaze. "I understand, Sylvia. You'll be our future Luna. I overstepped before, but I know my place now. I wish you both happiness."
Hearing me say that, the pack members around us immediately started teasing.
"What things are we talking about? The times you called Liam in the middle of the night, asking him to pick you up?"
"Or when you got drunk in public and declared you was going to be Liam’s mate?"
"What about when you went to the Blackwood estate and questioned the staff about his preferences?"
"Sera, now that Liam is taken, if you keep clinging to him, you're just shaming yourself and your family's name. You need to be smart about this. Don't be the one cause to drive a wedge between your brother and Liam!"
Every word felt like salt being rubbed into my wounds.
I instinctively looked at Liam, standing just a few feet away, his expression cold and indifferent.
For a moment, he seemed like a completely different person—no longer the Liam in my memories who always looked out for me.
But then I thought, he'd always been this cold toward other girls, never giving them any false hope.
It seemed his tolerance for my affections was only out of respect for Damine. He didn't want to make things awkward.
Now that he was with the woman he truly loved, he had to draw a clear line between us.
After all, in his heart, Sylvia was more important than anyone else, wasn't she?
With that thought, a deep sense of bitterness washed over me. I just nodded and turned to leave.
The birthday banquet was just getting started, and the late-arriving Damine was busy greeting guests. He didn't notice me at all.
Meanwhile, Liam eagerly and openly introduced Sylvia to everyone as his future Luna.
He took drinks meant for her, fed her tasty pastries, gently straightened her skirt when it got messy, and even massaged her tired shoulders...
Everyone praised how doting he was on his mate, how lucky Sylvia was to be bound to him, calling them the perfect, destined couple.
I watched from a distance, my mouth tasting bitter, forcing myself to look away.
I sat alone in the corner until Sylvia, holding a wine glass, walked over and broke the silence.
"It's your brother's birthday, yet you're sitting here saying nothing. Are you angry?"
I didn't expect her to approach me and instinctively moved two steps back.
"I'm not angry, Sylvia. I've let Liam go completely."
Sylvia paused for a moment, her gaze becoming complicated.
"Liam told me you've been chasing him for years, determined to be with him."
"That was in the past. I gave up after I found out he'd loved you for so long. I truly wish you happiness."
After saying that, I tried to get up, but Sylvia grabbed my arm.
"You said Liam loved me for years? Where did you hear that? Did he tell you that himself?"
I didn't feel like talking to her anymore, but still in friendly behavior "Everyone says so. Maybe you can ask him yourself."
But Sylvia wouldn't let me go, insisting on getting a clear answer.
As we struggled, the chandelier above us suddenly loosened and came crashing down.
I looked up at the black shadow falling rapidly, my mind going completely blank.
Before I could react, Liam's face changed drastically. He rushed forward to shield Sylvia and move her away, leaving me alone under danger.
The heavy silver chandelier slammed into me completely, knocking me to the ground.
The burning candles ignited my dress immediately. The fire and the silver prevented my wolf from healing.
Blood gushed from my wounds, my body screaming in agony as if every bone was being shattered.
I lay in a pool of my own blood, unable to stop trembling and convulsing, listening to the terrified screams around me.
Through the flames, my vision grew blurrier. The last thing I saw before losing consciousness was Liam holding Sylvia, whispering soothing words to her.
I don't know how much time passed before I slowly woke up to see my brother, Damine, sitting by my bedside with red-rimmed eyes.
"I'm sorry, Sera. It's my fault. I failed to protect you and let you get so badly hurt."
I shook my head, my voice weak and hoarse.
"It's not your fault, Damine. It happened too suddenly. You were too far away to help me."
Hearing my words, my brother recalled the events leading up to the accident and felt even more guilty.
"I couldn't help you, but Liam was right there. If it weren't for Sylvia keeping you talking, you could have avoided that disaster..."
I shook my head, comforting him gently. "Damine, when he and the woman he loves are both in danger, it's instinct to save the one who matters most. I was just being foolish before, but after this, I've truly let him go."
"Good. As long as you can move on, I'll support any decision you make."
Damine tightened his grip on my hand and nodded firmly.
I forced a faint smile and slowly composed myself.
Once my condition stabilized, my brother, who hadn't rested in days, finally allowed himself to get some sleep.
The quiet room returned. I took out my phone and booked a flight to Finland, departing in ten days.
The airline called to confirm my reservation. I was listening carefully and didn't notice footsteps at the door.
"Yes, it's the first flight to Finland on the 19th. First class."
"What first class?"
