Celestine's POV
“THE ALPHA’S BIRTHDAY IS COMING…”
Two months went by in a haze of duty and quiet, with the only sounds to mark each day being the pack's murmurs and the icy weight of my own heart. I pretended to be Luna, managing duties, giving commands, and preserving the appearance of power. But in reality, I felt empty, like a ghost of the woman who had once trusted him, believed in love, and believed in fidelity.
Sebastian’s relationship with Aubrey was still unknown to me. Still, I saw the stolen glances, the small smiles they shared when they thought no one was looking. And then there were the messages.
The sweet, private messages between them that I forced myself to read whenever his phone was left unlocked, each one cutting deeper than the last.
“Hey, Celestine…” he called my name.
This morning, when I sat across from him at the breakfast table, I could scarcely taste the food on my plate. Then, I said, “Why? Is there a problem?”
Sebastian's gaze was fixated on his phone, his fork idle as he read something that raised the corner of his lips in a manner he hadn't grinned at me in years. I glanced down and stirred my tea, hoping the action would drown out the agony in my chest.
Then, out of nowhere, he spoke, breaking the silence. “Celestine, my birthday is coming up,” he said, his tone casual but expectant. His eyes met mine for the first time that morning, and there was a flicker of something almost like warmth. “I was hoping you’d bake the cake. You know how much I love your baking.”
I forced a smile, a practiced motion that had become second nature. “Of course, Sebastian. I’ll make it special,” I said, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue.
His agreement didn't mean anything because he was already thinking about something else. But time stopped for me. While I watched him look through his phone—most likely texting Aubrey—my heart was beating at a faster, less stable rate.
Then he suddenly coldly added, “I am looking forward to it.”
The realization that had grown over the previous weeks eventually blossomed into something undeniable: I couldn't keep doing this. I couldn't continue to be the quiet, dutiful Luna who suffered without question.
I forced a smile. “S-Sure…”
In that moment, as the morning sun filtered through the window and lit up his profile, I made a silent vow.
‘This will be the last cake I ever bake for you, Sebastian. After this, I’m leaving.’
I still couldn't forget how badly he treated me, especially these last few months. After Aubrey came, I felt like more of a stranger to him.
Then he suddenly said out of nowhere, “I’m leaving now in a few moments. I still have important matters to do in the packhouse.”
I nodded. “Alright.”
“I am looking forward to the cake and the feast celebration. Don't disappoint me, My Luna.”
The remainder of breakfast went quietly. The clinking of cutlery and the odd whisper filled the air, but the weight of my resolve rumbled under my skin, giving me courage.
The fear of the unknown gnawed at me, but so did the furious, increasing conviction that I deserved more than this half-life, more than being the devoted Luna to a partner who couldn't see me, didn't want me.
“Do you need anything for the preparations?” Sebastian’s voice cut through my thoughts as he stood up, placing his empty plate in the sink. His expression was neutral, polite—so far from the man who used to look at me with fire in his eyes.
“No, I’ll manage,” I replied, my voice steady. I followed him with my gaze as he walked out, his shoulders broad, his stride confident. But he felt like a stranger, a man I once knew but who now belonged to someone else.
As soon as I was alone, I sighed and pressed my hands on the table's edge to center myself. My mind buzzed with thoughts as I planned out the cake, but this time it wasn’t just flour and sugar and fondant…
It was a goodbye.
A farewell present to the life I was about to leave behind. I'd make it lovely as a last testimony to the love I once put into every aspect of our lives together. And then I'd let it go.
“After this cake was made, I am leaving…”
I took my phone out. After some years of being a martyr, I finally had the guts to do something for myself. I dialed the familiar number.
“Hello, who's this?” the low baritone voice answered.
"Hello Alpha Nathan, it's been a long time."
"Celestine?" I can hear the excitement in his voice. "It's been a long time."
I smiled. "Yes. It's me... I need a favor."
"What is it?" he asked.
"I wanted to transfer back to the Moonshine Pack."
