Damon froze, his anger shifting to confusion as he stared at me. After a moment, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his tone softening.
“Elara, are you okay? I know I overreacted just now, but seriously, why would you burn everything? Those were memories. Weren’t we saving all of that for our mating ceremony? Why didn’t you wait for me to come back or at least message me? I could’ve handled it.”
I didn’t even look at him. This wasn’t the same Damon I used to trust, the one who swore he’d protect me no matter what.
“You’re always so busy,” I said casually. “Figured you wouldn’t want me bothering you over something so small.”
He stepped closer, his eyes flicking between the dying flames and me. “Small? Elara, that box held everything—our memories, our bond. Why are you acting like none of it matters?”
Bond? Pff. I shrugged, my face unreadable. “Because it doesn’t anymore.”
His shoulders slumped as he stood beside me, watching the ashes scatter in the night breeze. The scene was painfully ironic—he was the one who’d wrecked our bond, yet here he was, acting like he still cared.
I turned to head back toward the packhouse, but Damon reached out and pulled me into his arms. His familiar cologne overwhelmed me, making me sneeze. He didn’t let go, though, holding me tighter like he was desperate to fix everything with a single hug.
“Are you sick?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern. “I’m sorry, Elara. I know I’ve been distant lately. Let me make it up to you. We can start over—build new memories, even better ones.”
If this had been months ago, I might’ve melted at his words. But after everything—after watching him prioritize Serena and her needs over me—I couldn’t pretend anymore.
When he finally let go, I stepped back, putting space between us. My voice was calm, but firm.
“No need to apologize, Damon. If you want to make it up to me, throw me a proper anniversary party. You’ve missed every single one since we’ve been together, so I’d like at least one before I leave.”
Surprise flashed across his face, but he quickly nodded. “Of course. Whatever you want.”
Before he could say more, his phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, his expression shifted, guilt flickering in his eyes.
“It’s urgent,” he muttered. “Pack business. Don’t wait up—I’ll take care of everything tomorrow, I promise.”
I watched as he hurried off, already answering the call. He didn’t realize I knew that ringtone—it was the one he set for Serena.
The next morning, preparations for the party began. Pack members bustled around the clearing, setting up decorations and tables. Among them was Serena, directing the workers like it was her own event.
By the time they were done, I noticed something strange—the setup looked awfully familiar. It was almost identical to pack celebration from a few weeks ago, just... simpler.
When the workers left, Serena sauntered over, her smug smile making my blood boil.
“Well, Elara,” she said sweetly, “everyone’s been working so hard to make this perfect for you. What do you think? Does it suit your taste?”
I glanced at her, my eyes landing on the hair ornament she wore. It was mine—one I thought I’d lost months ago. My jaw tightened as I looked back at her, my voice cold.
“A secondhand setup for a secondhand person. Yeah, it suits you perfectly.”
Her smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of anger. Without a word, she grabbed a glass centerpiece and smashed it to the ground. A shard cut her foot, and she let out a pitiful cry.
Before I could react, Damon appeared out of nowhere. His eyes burned with fury as he stormed toward me.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Elara?” he snapped, his voice like a whip. “Serena spent the whole day helping with your party, and this is how you thank her? If you don’t like it, do it yourself!”
I stared at him, stunned, as he scooped Serena into his arms and carried her away. He didn’t even give me a chance to explain.
By the time the sun set, the clearing was empty. No one showed up for the party—not that I expected anyone to. Damon had always been my only friend, and now, even that was gone.
When the cake arrived, I cut a small piece, stuck a candle in it, and made a quiet wish under the moonlight.
“May we never meet again.”
I couldn’t eat the cake because of my allergy, but that didn’t matter. My suitcase was already packed.
On the way to the airport, I sent Damon one final message.
“Let’s end this here. No need to stay in touch.”
No breakup speech, no dramatic farewell. Just the quiet end to a chapter of my life.
As I turned off my phone before boarding, he was already calling me like a madman.
