Nivella's POV
I had just arrived home when Razen rushed out of the pack house, panic clear in his eyes. He looked at his carriage parked outside, then at me. He quickly forced a relieved smile, but I could still see the fear beneath it.
“Nivella,” he called, walking fast toward me. “Where have you been? I was worried.”
Worried? I almost laughed at how fake it sounded.
I gave him a gentle smile. “I went to get an anniversary gift for our celebration next week.”
Razen blinked, caught off guard. “Anniversary celebration?”
I tilted my head slightly. “Yes. Ours. Did you forget?” My voice stayed calm, but I held his gaze, waiting.
He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “No, of course not. How could I forget?” He let out a light laugh that felt forced. “I have just been busy with pack matters. You know how it is.”
Liar.
I nodded slowly. “I wanted it to be a surprise, so I will not tell you what I got. You will have to wait.”
Razen smiled awkwardly. “I am looking forward to it. You didn’t need to go through all that. You could have called me. I would have gone with you.”
“It is fine,” I said softly. “You have been busy. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Guilt flickered in his eyes as he leaned in and kissed my cheek. It felt empty. “I am glad you are back.”
“Me too,” I said, even though it was a lie, and walked past him into the house.
Behind me, Razen let out a quiet breath, relieved that I had not seen him with Navielle when I came for the keys. If only he knew.
I went upstairs and stepped into the master bedroom. The same place he had stained with betrayal. My stomach turned.
The door opened behind me. I turned, expecting Razen, but it was Navielle.
She leaned against the doorframe with a smug smile, her eyes gleaming.
“You saw us, didn’t you?” she said, her voice teasing.
I kept my face blank. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Navielle laughed softly and stepped inside, closing the door. “Don’t pretend. I saw you standing there.”
I looked at her without emotion.
“You should have stayed longer,” she went on, her smile growing. “You might have learned something.”
I shrugged lightly. “Alright. Are you done? I think Razen is waiting for you. I want to rest.”
That was not the reaction she wanted. Her smile faltered for a moment before she hid it again.
“I will go finish what we started. You are welcome to watch,” she said before walking out.
I picked up my crystal communicator and sent Keegan a message.
[Phase one is done. Get ready.]
He replied with a heart symbol.
***
Razen stayed close to me for the next two days. He barely left my side, which made it harder for me to continue my plans.
Maybe his wolf sensed something. Maybe he suspected I had seen him with Navielle, even though I acted like everything was normal.
At last, I grew tired of waiting. I sent Navielle a message.
[Looks like Razen is tired of you. He has not left my side. Keep lying to yourself. He is mine.]
I knew it would provoke her.
Soon, Razen’s crystal communicator began ringing again and again. Messages kept coming in, but he ignored them at first.
Just as I started to lose patience, he finally stepped away to answer one of her calls.
A few minutes later, he came back, his face serious.
“My love,” he said gently, “something urgent came up. I have to leave for a meeting tonight. It may take three days.” His eyes showed guilt.
“Oh,” I said quietly, sounding disappointed. “But our celebration is in four days.”
“I know, and I am sorry,” he said quickly. “But I promise I will be back. I would not miss it.” He kissed my forehead.
Inside, I felt a quiet thrill. Three days. I didn’t expect that much time. It was perfect.
***
The next three days passed quickly. I finished everything I needed.
Navielle made it easier. Every time I doubted myself, she sent me pictures of her and Razen, thinking it would hurt me. But each one only made me more sure.
I saved every picture. Soon, she would regret sending them.
At last, the day of the celebration arrived. The same day Razen was meant to return.
I stood in the living room, my thoughts racing. Then I took out my crystal communicator and sent him a message.
[Happy anniversary. Your gift is on the table.]
I placed the signed bond severance on the table beside the photos I had taken, along with the ones Navielle sent me.
Then I blocked both his number and hers.
I took a deep breath and walked out with my suitcase. Keegan was already there, waiting with a faint smile.
“Are you ready?” he asked, holding out his hand.
I took it without hesitation.
A private jet waited for us, prepared to take us to Ironvale. I glanced at him, curious about how he arranged it, but I was too tired to ask.
As the jet prepared to leave, I gave a small nod.
Keegan’s smile widened as he sent out a message to the news networks.
Let the game begin.
