I turned slowly.
Evander stood there. His face had gone white, like the ground beneath him had vanished.
“What passage seal?” he asked quietly, but his voice shook.
My heart skipped, yet I forced a small smile. “Not mine. A friend plans to leave the territories. She called to ask about it.”
For a moment, he only stared at me, like he didn’t fully believe it. Then suddenly, he pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly I could barely breathe. His body trembled.
“Ivara,” he whispered into my hair, his voice rough, “don’t ever leave me. For a second, I thought you were going to disappear. I can’t… I can’t live without you.”
I rested my hand lightly on his back, pretending to comfort him. On the outside, I looked calm. Inside, my heart was already far away.
I knew the truth.
I was leaving soon.
That afternoon, while he was trapped in Alpha Council meetings, I slipped away. I went straight to the Moon Council Hall and signed the final seals on my papers. My hands shook, but my mind was clear.
***
That night was the Wargrove Pack’s grand gathering. Alphas, merchants, allies, warriors—all filled the great hall. Moon-lamps glowed, crystal cups sparkled.
I wore something simple and plain. I didn’t want attention.
Adrielle arrived in a deep blood-red gown that clung to her body. Every gaze followed her.
I saw Evander choke slightly on his drink when males crowded around her. His smile stayed perfect, but his jaw was tight. His anger simmered beneath the surface.
Whispers followed me too—how lucky I was, how Alpha Evander was obsessed with his Luna. Investors toasted to his devotion, calling me the envy of every female there.
When a male offered Adrielle a drink, Evander stepped in, took the cup, and drank it himself. His smile was smooth but cold.
“Can’t risk my friend’s sister being taken advantage of,” he said.
Adrielle laughed lightly. “Careful, Evander. Keep acting like this and Ivara might get jealous.”
I smiled, my voice gentle but firm. “No, I won’t. I know Evander loves me. He can’t live without me.”
He glanced at me then, unsure whether to feel proud or afraid.
That was when I noticed Adrielle’s wrist.
She was wearing a bracelet identical to mine.
She followed my gaze. Her smile faltered for a heartbeat—then she quickly excused herself and left the hall.
Evander grew restless. He checked his comm-stone under the table. Moments later, he stood with a polite smile.
“Excuse me. Urgent pack matter.”
Then he left.
I knew exactly where he was going.
When I tried to follow, one of Evander’s partners—a married wolf known for chasing others—blocked my way, trapping me in useless talk, smirking as he stalled.
I forced a smile. “I’m not feeling well. I’ll head home early. No need to trouble yourself. I’ll take a carriage.”
I slipped away, my heels quiet on the stone floor.
That was when I heard it.
A door left slightly open. Low voices. Sharp breaths. The clear sound of bodies moving together.
I froze.
Then leaned just enough to see inside.
Adrielle was on top of Evander, moving like she owned him. His hands gripped her legs, his head thrown back, a low growl leaving his throat.
Her eyes met mine.
She saw me.
And she smiled.
“Tell me, Evander,” she purred loudly, “do you really love me? If not, I’ll go to your pack partner right now.”
Evander gasped, desperate. “I love you, Adrielle.”
Her smile deepened, eyes still locked on me. “Then give me a pup. Do it inside me.”
His voice broke into a growl. “Yes… my flame.”
Tears blurred my vision.
My phone was already in my hand, recording everything. Every word. Every confession. Every betrayal.
Before they noticed me, I turned and walked away, silent as a shadow.
Back at the den, I pulled out my travel case. My hands shook as I opened it, but my heart was steady.
This time, I wasn’t just thinking about leaving.
This time, I truly was.
***
I sat in the skyport lounge, my travel scroll and pass clenched in my hand, my case beside me. My comm-stone buzzed.
Of course.
I answered.
“Where are you, my Luna? Cairos said you weren’t—”
“I didn’t feel well,” I said softly. “My head hurts. I went home to rest.”
“I’ll send Cairos with healing herbs.”
“No,” I said calmly. “I don’t need them. I just want to sleep.” I paused, then added, “But before you return, there’s a small gift waiting in our chamber. Please open it.”
On the bedside table:
The bond-breaking scrolls.
Our rings.
And the crystal shard holding his truth with Adrielle.
He chuckled softly. I heard a faint sound on his end—a breath, a moan—and my blood turned cold.
“I will,” he said, his voice already far away. “But I can’t return tonight. Important matters.”
Then I heard it.
Adrielle’s laugh.
“I’ll be home tomorrow,” he added, like nothing was wrong.
I smiled faintly.
“Alright.”
“I love you.”
“Rest well,” I whispered, ending the call before he could speak again.
My hand trembled—but my chest felt lighter than it had in years.
When the boarding call sounded, I stood, gripping my travel scroll like it was my lifeline. My comm-stone lit up again with his name.
I didn’t hesitate.
I turned it off.
As I stepped onto the skyship, freedom finally wrapped around me.
I whispered, “Goodbye, Evander. I am no longer yours.”
