Alpha, I’m Leaving. You’ll Regret This

I went to the pack station to report my husband was missing, My husband Drake Thornhill hes missing! Please help me. It's been five days. My voice shook, and my blind eyes felt like they were betraying me, not seeing what everyone else could.

The officer gave me a weird look, Maam you said your husband is Drake Thornhill? Whats your name again?

"My name is Chloe Thornhill." My fingers twisted the hem of my hoodie. "Is there any news about him?"

He frowned and slammed a hand on the desk. "Chloe? Maam, you need to tell us your real name. This isnt a game!"

I froze. I am Luna Chloe Thornhill.

"Little blind girl, dont think just because you look like someone you can fool anyone!"

My stomach dropped, and I felt my chest tighten. The officer turned to an LED screen, I heard the reporter's voice and my heart literally stopped.

"Everyone in the city knows that to celebrate Luna Chloe's pregnancy, Alpha Drake Thornhill gifted her a retreat in the mountains, a pack ceremony worth millions. Her social posts are everywhere, nine grids a day, and the wolves cant stop talking about her."

And then there he was, my Drake, on the screen saying: "This New Year, I just want my mate safe, happy, and strong."

Her voiceChiaraslaughed behind him, sweet and soft, and it hit me like ice water straight to my veins. My face went pale, my stomach dropped. Chiara. Not me.

Five years ago, I lost my sight in a pack accident, and he was shattered. Everyone said no alpha would ever stay with a blind mate. Everyone whispered and plotted and replaced me.

They found her, this Chiara, a girl who looked like me. And they sent her to him.

I remember the night he found out. My Drake, red-eyed and shaking, ready to rip her apart with his own hands. "Get out! My heart belongs to Chloe and only Chloe! Anyone else disgusts me!"

He drove to the infirmary at night, held me close, let his hot tears fall on my shoulder. "Baby, well get our bond tomorrow. Youll be mine, officially, my mate, my mate for life."

Everyone knew he loved me. Hated Chiara. But now she was the one smiling at him, wearing my face, claiming my place.

What happened? Did he forget me? Was I just erased?

I tried to find him, to scream at him with my own two hands, to shake some truth into him. And then a billboard fell out of nowhere.

Pain exploded across my skull, darkness swallowing me, and before I passed out, I heard my drive's voice. "Luna!"

And then everything went black.

When I opened my eyes, the white light hit me so hard I had to squeeze them shut. Pain shot through them, sharp and burning, and I thought maybe Id never see again. But then, slowly, painfully, the world came into focus. I blinked and blinked until it all made sense. I could see. I could really see.

But before I could even take in the room, I heard voices outside the heavy door.

Alpha, how much longer are you going to let Chiara pretend to be Luna Chloe? Its been five whole years.

I froze. That was Beta Kieran. Drake's right hand.

I dont know either." My alphas voice followed, rough and sharp. Back then, the old elders of the pack refused to let me mate a blind wolf. I loved Chloe too much. I lied. I said her eyes were healed, and I I let Chiara take her place.

Youre still doing this, Alpha? All those elders are gone. Why are you still hiding the truth? Kieran pressed.

Drakes voice cut him off, sharp with irritation. Chiaras pregnant. He hesitated, then softened. And I I dont know, after all this, after pretending, I feel like I I cant breathe without her. I cant not have her close.

What? Kierans voice cracked with disbelief. Alpha! Youre saying you have feelings for her? For Chiara? Havent you forgotten that her brother caused the accident? That she that he blinded Chloe? That your mate was living in darkness forever because of them?

Drake growled low, warning, almost animalistic. Stop it, Kieran! Chiara had nothing to do with her brothers sins. I already locked him away. Hell never see the pack again.

Youre just covering it all up, Alpha! Luna stays hidden, she cant go out, theres no signal here in the mountains. She lives in your glass house you built for her, safe, pampered, blind to everything. Shell never know what you did. But if she ever did Kierans voice fell, heavy with fear.

I pressed my palm to my mouth, tears stinging my eyes. My body felt frozen, cold like the winter snows that blanketed the valley outside. Everything Drake had made for me, every gesture, every plan, it felt like a trap now.

I reached for the stack of portraits on the bedside table. Each one was hand-drawn by him, each one a memory hed preserved.

The first showed me tending to him when we were stranded on a desert hunt, his leg broken, and I had stayed with him for days and nights.

The third showed him scaling a cliff in the middle of a snowstorm to bring me a rare mountain herb, panting, bleeding, just so Id see hed come for me.

Another showed him bringing an entire pack of wolves from the northern clans just to perform for me under the full moon, because I loved the moonlit dances of our kind. One of the last portraits even showed the glass house hed designed, warm and safe, made for a blind mate, everything perfect for me.

And in every one, his eyes glowed with something I wanted once. Something I had believed in. Something I now hated.

He knelt in one painting, whispering, Mate, from now on, Ill be your eyes. You will be the only one in my heart. Only you, Chloe.

I stared at them all, the lies, the fakes, the love poisoned by secrets, by Chiara, by his lies. My hands shook, and I forced a smile that felt bitter in my chest.

One by one, I set the portraits on fire, the smoke curling up and turning the glass houses spring air into ash. I threw them all onto the bed, watching the flames roar and consume everything.

Drake, your love is twisted. Your alphas protection is tainted. I dont want it. I dont want you. I wont be caged in your lies anymore.

The fire alarm blared, shrill and unrelenting, echoing through the halls like my heartbeat.

Why did I ever let him own me? Why did I let myself believe in an alpha who could lie like this?

After that, I ran out into the chaos, coughing, my chest tight, and found a battered phone booth at the roadside. My hands shook when I dialed the number Id been holding onto for years.

Alaric do you still mean it? I whispered, my voice trembling. That I can come back to the pack anytime within five years?

There was a pause, and then that deep, low, cello-like voice rolled through the receiver. Of course, my beloved Arianne. Every northern wolf in the pack has been waiting for you. Theyre all asking when their favorite she-wolf is coming home.

I pressed the receiver harder to my ear, trying to steady my voice. But my my identity. The paperwork. It takes three days to sort. And I cant exactly cross state lines quietly. Drake he wont let me leave, I know him.

His voice softened, How do you plan to leave New York without him noticing? You know him, Chloe. Drake is territorial. Possessive. Hed know the moment you stepped a foot outside the glass house gates.

I swallowed hard. Then Ill make sure he only gets my corpse. The words felt hollow, but at least they burned with the truth. If he could let Chiara pretend to be me, then I could vanish from his life entirely.

And then it happened. Warm, large hands wrapped around my waist, pressing me tight against someone. My breath caught.

Wife, Drakes voice trembled as he buried his head in my shoulder. Thank God! Thank God youre alive. If anything had happened to you I wouldnt even want to live. I I cant

I froze, my mind screaming at me to push him off, to run, but I couldnt.

Luna, the fire. Are you okay? Kierans voice cut in, tense and urgent. Alpha went in after you. You couldnt see, and he insisted on risking himself. That chandelierif it fell, it would have

Kieran, stop! Drake growled, a low rumble that made my chest ache. Shes safe. Thats all that matters. I dont care about the chandelier, I dont care about anything else.

I could feel the weight of him on me, and the smoke stung his eyes, his skin smelled like ash, his clothes were torn, burned in places. I gasped, my heart pounding, and I hated him for it. I hated that hed risk his life for me when hed let Chiara live in my place.

And then I saw her. Chiara. She stepped out from the smoke, pristine in white, pulling her suitcase, elegant and deliberate. My stomach twisted.

Alpha Thornhill, she said softly. Her voice calm, almost mocking.

Drake stiffened, then let go of me reluctantly. He smoothed his hair and turned to her. Honey a business partners here. Just um, wait a second.

He stepped toward her, took her hands in his, and signed with careful, deliberate motions. Chiara, why did you come alone? Didnt I say Id come tonight to stay with you and the pups? I wanted to be here with you, to make sure you were safe.

Chiaras hands moved in response, her sign language precise, full of tension. I missed you, Drake. I wanted to come and make things right to atone for what Ive done to Chloe. I I know Ive wronged her, and I wanted to help her.

Drake shook his head slowly, almost like he was in pain. No. No, Chiara. You havent wronged her. Ive wronged both of you. I made you carry a life that was never meant to be yours under my lies. I forced you into a position that wasnt fair and I hid the truth from Chloe, from both of you, because I because I couldnt face the consequences.

He pressed his forehead to hers, whispered, I couldnt let her know, and I couldnt let you leave. I thought, I thought I was protecting everyone, but I was just protecting myself. And now

Chiaras lips moved again in sign language. Drake I only ever wanted to make this right. To protect the baby, to protect her. Youre the one who carried this all alone.

He kissed her, soft but agonized, eyes almost overflowing with something I couldnt name. Then he signed again. Ive already chosen the names. The boy will be Draken. The girl will be Chanelle.

I felt my chest collapse. My alpha. My mate. And yet everything I believed in, everything I trusted, was falling apart in front of me.

Why did love have to be this cruel?

Around this time last year, I found out I was pregnant. I thought maybe maybe things would finally be ours.

Drake had been over the moon. He booked out the whole hot spring resort, told me wed have the entire place to ourselves.

And then he picked up a phone. I could hear a girl crying on the other end, faint, but I could hear it. My heart twisted in a way I didnt understand.

He kissed my belly, soft, warm, and whispered, Wife, theres an emergency at the pack. Just wait for me, okay? Ill be back.

I believed him. I waited. A whole day, a whole night, just sitting there, hoping, praying. But instead of Drake, there was an avalanche. Snow burying everything. And our child our little wolf pup, gone. I got miscarriage.

I saw him later. Touching Chiaras belly, the same way he had touched mine. The same way hed whispered to me, the same way hed promised hed protect us. And I smiled bitterly, the edges of my heart cutting like glass. Because the only person trapped that winter was me.

Then I heard him talking to her. Honey, Ive been tied up with the pack. I hired a nutritionist to make sure youre taken care of while Im busy.

His hand covered hers, his eyes soft and doting, like she was the only mate that mattered.

Hello, Miss Brightman, she said, shy and sweet, and my chest twisted. Miss Brightman. Not Mrs. Thornhill. Not mine.

Drake frowned for a moment, and then he just let it go. Didnt correct her, didnt even flinch.

I clenched my fists in my lap, fingertips digging into my palms, trying not to scream. Trying not to shatter right there.

And then he draped a wool coat over my shoulders, Its cold out. Come on, lets go home, honey.

I froze, and through the corner of my eye I saw Chiara nod, and he leaned down and kissed her, soft, lingering, like hed been waiting to do it forever.

That evening...

I watched him in the kitchen, always careful, thoughtful. Hed serve me my soup, gently, like hed done a thousand times before. But then hed turn and wipe sauce from Chiaras lips, smiling down at her, laughing warmly, as if she was everything hed ever wanted.

Silly girl, he signed, how can you be this cute?

I lowered my head, my lips tasting the soup, my eyes burning, and I couldnt cry. I wanted to. I tried to. But I couldnt. Because I knew him. I recognized that movement. That look in his eyes. That care. That love.

And then it hit me. All of it. All the warmth, all the touches, all the promises hed given her. Hed really fallen for her.

And I was nothing.

After dinner, my private pack doctor came again, like he always did and checked my eyes.

Alpha Thornhill, Dr. Peterson couldnt make it today, so I came instead. I reviewed her records, and honestly if she keeps taking the proper treatment, theres a really high chance her eyesight will come back.

I stood outside the door, quiet, listening. My chest felt heavy for no reason.

What would it even change if I could see? Would I see him choosing her more clearly? Would I see every lie right in front of me?

Inside, there was a pause. Then Drake spoke. Calm. Flat.

No.

The doctor sounded confused. No? Alpha, I dont think you understand. This is a good thing. She can recover, she can

Drake cut him off, his voice colder now. Didnt Peterson tell you? For the past five years, Ive only had him prescribe the most basic tonics. Nothing more.

The doctor went quiet. You mean youve been holding back her treatment on purpose? Alpha, thats thats not right. She deserves to know. She deserves a chance.

Drake exhaled, low and irritated. And if she sees everything, what then? Have you thought about that? What happens to Chiara? What happens to her when the truth comes out?

Alpha, with all respect, your mates life should come first, the doctor insisted. You cant just keep her in the dark because its convenient for you.

Its not convenient. Its balanced. Drakes voice dropped, dangerous now. Im keeping things stable. Im protecting both of them. You dont get to question that.

My hand tightened around my ring. My fingers shook.

So this whole time he knew. He knew I couldve seen again. And he chose to keep me blind.

Why? Was I really that easy to control? That easy to hide away?

A sharp crack echoed in my ears. I didnt even realize Id forced the ring off until pain shot through my finger. Blood slipped down between my fingers, warm and sticky.

I ran. I didnt even know where, just back to my room, my whole body shaking so hard I couldnt breathe.

I knocked into the table, and the framed wedding photo fell to the floor.

In it, Drake leaned forward, pressing a soft, sacred kiss to my forehead. His eyes were full of devotion. Like I was everything.

Why I whispered, staring at it. Why did you lie to me like this?

My tears hit the floor before I could stop them. And then I started laughing. Loud, broken, ugly.

Hahaha Drake youre amazing. You really are. My stomach twisted, and I doubled over, gagging, bitter liquid rising in my throat. You planned everything didnt you? Every day I am scared, confused thinking I was broken that was all you.

I cried until there was nothing left. Then I picked up the photo, pulled it out of the frame, and shoved it into the shredder.

The machine chewed through it slowly, the sound sharp and final.

And it felt like something in my chest was being shredded too. Every memory, every moment, every time he said he loved me.

Gone.

Honey what are you doing?

I didnt even turn around. I just gathered the torn pieces, white and lifeless now, and dumped them into the trash.

Its nothing, I said, my voice dry, empty. Just a corrupted file. Didnt need it anymore.

Drake stepped closer. Corrupted? Let me see that. He frowned slightly, staring at the shredded pieces. Why does this look familiar Chloe, what exactly did you

Before he could finish, the door opened.

Drake, Chiaras voice came soft, gentle, like she belonged here more than I ever did.

He turned instantly. Just like that. Like I didnt exist.

She walked in holding a bouquet of strong-scented white lilies, smiling shyly. I brought these I thought maybe shed like them.

Drakes eyes softened right away. You shouldnt be walking around too much. What if something happens to you or the pup?

Im fine, she said, her voice light. I just wanted to do something nice.

He took the bouquet from her and turned to me, placing it in my arms. Here. For you.

Happy birthday, Miss Brightman, Chiara added softly.

The scent hit me hard. Too strong. Too suffocating. I started coughing, over and over, my chest tightening. Tears streamed down my face and I couldnt stop them.

Drake frowned. Whats wrong? Are you allergic? Why didnt you say anything?

Chiara suddenly came up behind me and covered my eyes with both hands, laughing softly like this was some kind of game.

Come on, come on, just a few more steps, she said, gently but firmly pushing me forward. Dont peek, okay? I prepared something special for you.

I didnt fight her. I just let myself be led. What was the point anymore?

Alright ready? she said, voice bright. Surprise!

She let go.

And I saw it.

On the white marble table was raw meat, still dripping with blood, foam clinging to it like it hadnt even been cleaned properly. The vegetables were burnt black, like theyd been left too long over the flame.

For a second, I just stared.

Was this a joke? Or was I the joke?

Chiara suddenly gasped and slapped her forehead. Oh no! I totally forgot. Miss Brightman cant really see, right? I didnt think about how this would look

She stopped mid-sentence and covered her mouth, like she realized she messed up.

Drake immediately reached for her hands, his movements quick, reassuring, signing gently to her. Its fine. Dont worry about it. Chloe wont mind something like this. Shes not that sensitive.

Not that sensitive.

Chiara lowered her head, her fingers trembling as she signed back. Why does it feel like I cant do anything right? I just wanted to do something nice for her, but I kept messing up Im useless.

Drake shook his head, his expression soft, almost pained. Youre not useless. Stop saying that. Youre doing your best, and thats enough. You dont need to be perfect.

She sniffed, then looked up again. I I also made a mango cake for her. I thought something sweet might make her happy.

Drake turned to me, his eyes full of that same gentle look I used to believe in. Wife, come on. Dont just stand there. She worked hard on it. At least try a bite, okay?

I didnt move. My hands clenched slowly at my sides.

I felt so tired. So, so tired.

Drake, I said quietly, Do you even remember what today is?

He froze. What do you mean? Its your birthday, isnt it?

No. Its not.

There was a pause.

Its the day our son died, I said. The day the snow buried everything. The day you didnt come back.

His face changed. Just for a second. Regret, maybe. Or guilt. I couldnt tell anymore.

And Im allergic to mango, I added, looking at the cake he was still holding out to me.

Wife, I he started, I didnt know. I thought

You didnt think, I cut in softly. You just forgot.

He stepped closer. Chloe, wait. Dont go like this. Lets just talk, alright? Youre upset, I get it, but dont shut me out.

I shook my head and turned away. Im not upset. Im just done talking.

I walked away, ignoring him calling after me, ignoring Chiaras soft crying, ignoring the way his voice shifted when he started comforting her instead.

...

Back in my room, I shut the door and blocked everything out.

I didnt know how long I slept. Maybe hours. Maybe longer.

A noise woke me up. Something moving downstairs. Voices, faint.

I opened my eyes slowly.

Drake was there, sitting by my bed, watching me like nothing had ever changed.

Wife, he said softly, his voice warm again, gentle like before. Youre awake.

I didnt answer. I just stared at him.

I made you something, he continued, almost careful now. Strawberry cake. Your favorite. Do you want to get up and eat a little?

I pulled my hand away when he tried to touch me. No. Im not hungry.

His hand stayed in the air for a second before dropping. He sighed. Dont lie to me. Youre still angry, arent you?

I didnt respond.

He leaned forward a bit. After I finish this busy period, Ill take you out. Theres a concert coming up, one you used to like. We can go together, just us. Would you like that?

I turned my face away, staring at my hair falling over my shoulder. I stayed silent.

He pressed his lips together, then reached for my hand again, holding it this time. Wife Chiara prepared something for you. An animal show. She said she wants to apologize properly. At least go take a look, okay?

I dont want to, I said quietly.

He didnt listen. Of course he didnt.

Without another word, he lifted me into his arms and carried me downstairs.

The night air hit me hard. Cold. Sharp.

I was only in a thin nightgown, and my body started shaking almost immediately. But he didnt notice. Or maybe he did, and just didnt care enough.

I watched him walk ahead, carrying clothes in his arms.

But not for me.

For her.

He went straight to Chiara and carefully helped her into a thick protective suit, pulling it over her shoulders, adjusting it like she was something fragile. He slipped gloves onto her hands, fixed the helmet over her head, every movement slow and careful.

Then he leaned in and kissed her cheek, soft and full of affection.

Chiara, he said gently, dont push yourself too hard. You and the pup youre what matters most right now. Nothing else is more important than you.

The wind carried his voice straight to me.

The moment Chiara pulled the cloth off the cage, my whole body went stiff.

Inside were two beasts. A massive bear and a shadow lynx, both fully grown, both restless, their claws scraping against the metal bars like they wanted out.

The second the cloth dropped, they froze and then their heads snapped toward me.

Rawrrr

The bear roared, low and hungry, its black eyes locking onto mine like it already chose me.

My heart dropped.

Why are they looking at me like that?

I took a step back without thinking, my chest tightening. And then it hit me. The bouquet earlier. That weird, sharp smell.

My fingers curled slightly. No no, dont tell me

I forced my voice to stay steady. Drake I dont feel good. Can we just go back? Please I dont want to stay here.

Before, he wouldve panicked. He wouldve carried me back himself, asked a hundred questions, made sure I was okay.

Now

He frowned, like I was being difficult. Chloe, dont start this again. Shes been preparing for a long time. Cant you just stay and watch for a bit? Dont ruin it.

Dont ruin it.

I swallowed, my throat tight. Im not trying to ruin anything. I just I really dont feel well. Cant we leave after this? Or even now?

He sighed, clearly annoyed. Youre overthinking. Nothings going to happen. Just stand there and watch, alright? Itll be over soon.

Watch? Me?

I almost laughed.

Chiara stepped forward, a little clumsy but trying hard, holding the control chains. I practiced this for days, she said softly. I really wanted to make it up to you. Please just give me a chance.

I didnt answer. I couldnt.

The show started.

The bear and the lynx moved through the fire rings and across narrow logs, their bodies smooth and powerful, everything looking normal on the surface.

Good, thats it, Chiara said nervously, pulling the chains. Easy easy

Drake clapped, smiling, his eyes fixed on her like she was the only thing in the world. Thats great. Youre doing amazing. See? I told you you could do it.

Not once did he look at me. Not once did he think about the fact that this whole thing was supposed to be for me. But that wasnt even the worst part.

My breathing started to get shaky. My hands trembled more and more. Because those two beasts

They kept looking at me.

Again and again. And every time their eyes met mine, it felt heavier. Hungrier. Like they were waiting.

I took a small step back. Then another.

I need to get out. I need to leave. Now.

No one noticed. Of course they didnt. I was just about to slip out of their range when suddenly

Ah!

Chiara screamed.

I looked up. She lost her footing on the platform, her body swaying before she fell. The chains slipped right out of her hands.

Everything went wrong in a second.

The bear and the lynx froze. Then they started roaring, wild and uncontrolled.

Chiara! Drake shouted, his voice breaking as he ran toward her without hesitation. Chiara, are you hurt? Say something!

And just like that He left me.

The beasts turned slowly.

My breath caught. No wait

The next second, they lunged.

Everything went black and fast.

Pain exploded through my body, sharp and crushing, like my bones were being torn apart, like something was ripping me open from the inside.

Ah! I screamed, my voice breaking, raw and desperate.

It hurt. It hurt so much I couldnt even think. I collapsed, blood spreading beneath me, warm and endless.

Through blurred vision, I saw him.

Drake.

Holding Chiara tightly in his arms. Not even looking at me. Not even once.

When I opened my eyes again, everything smelled like antiseptic and cold metal. The ceiling was too white, too clean.

My chest burned. My legs felt like theyd been crushed. I let out a weak sound without meaning to.

Hey, dont move, the nurse said quickly, pressing my shoulder down. Youve got three broken ribs and internal bleeding in your liver. Youre lucky you even made it through the night.

I blinked slowly, trying to focus on her face.

She kept talking, like she didnt realize every word felt heavy. Last night was chaos. Only Dr. Jones was on duty, and another patients family kept insisting he treat their wife first because shes pregnant. They were loud about it too.

My fingers twitched slightly. Pregnant.

But dont worry, she added, softer now. That woman only had some minor injuries, so the doctor came to you right after. You got treated in time.

Of course.

She hesitated, then asked gently, Wheres your family? Your mate? Someone should be here with you.

I stared at the blanket. My voice came out dry and cracked. I dont have anyone.

She went quiet, and I could feel the pity in her eyes without even looking.

Then I heard voices outside.

Drake Im sorry, Chiaras voice trembled, full of tears. I really dont know what happened. They were fine before. I didnt mean for them to lose control. Miss Brightman got hurt because of me.

Drakes voice came right after, soft, full of concern. Chiara, stop blaming yourself. This wasnt your fault. You got hurt too, remember? You shouldnt be standing around like this.

I dont care about myself, she cried. I just I feel so guilty. I want to apologize to her properly. I need to tell her I didnt mean it.

I clenched my hand. Apologize again.

Drake sighed quietly. Youre pregnant. You shouldnt be stressing like this. Come on, go back to your room and lie down. Ill handle things here.

No, I dont want to go, she insisted, voice shaking more. Please just let me see her. I need to say sorry. I wont feel better if I dont.

Something snapped in me.

I grabbed the cup beside me and threw it against the wall. It shattered loudly.

Silence outside.

Then hurried footsteps.

Drake rushed in. Wife? Whats wrong? Do you need water? Are you in pain? Tell me, Ill get whatever you need.

I looked at him. Really looked at him. His eyes were full of worry, just like before. Just like always.

And suddenly I felt tired. So tired I didnt even want to fight anymore.

Did you check it? I asked quietly.

He paused. Check what?

The bear and the shadow lynx. Why they suddenly went crazy. Did you look into it?

For a second, I saw something flicker in his eyes. Then it was gone.

It was an accident, he said without hesitation. Animals lose control sometimes. Theres nothing strange about it.

I stared at him. Nothing strange?

He adjusted my blanket like everything was normal. Youre overthinking again. Just focus on getting better, okay? Dont stress yourself with things like that.

The last bit of light inside me went out.

I watched him quietly, my chest aching in a way the injuries couldnt explain.

Six years ago

I remembered it so clearly. Id gone out alone during a storm to check on a packs outer territory. I ended up running into a group of rogue wolves. They surrounded me, their eyes wrong, their intentions worse.

One of them grabbed me, dragged me toward the trees while the others laughed.

I was terrified. I couldnt even fight back properly.

And then Drake came.

I still remember the look in his eyes. Pure rage.

Touch her again, he said coldly, his alpha voice shaking the ground, and Ill make sure you beg to die.

They didnt listen.

So he broke them.

Leave them breathing, he ordered his warriors, voice deadly calm. But make sure they regret it.

The screams lasted for hours. Blood everywhere. No mercy.

After that, every single one of them ended up dead or worse.

That was the man who protected me.

But now

I almost died. I was torn apart right in front of him.

And he didnt even question it. Didnt even think for a second that something was wrong. Didnt even look at Chiara like she could be involved.

My chest felt empty. Completely empty.

I understand, I said softly, turning my face away.

He went still for a moment. Chloe?

Before he could say anything else, noise came from outside. Nurses rushing, voices panicked.

Alpha! someone called. The Luna's condition

He stood up immediately. Ill be right back, he said quickly. Ill get you something to eat too. Just wait for me, alright?

I didnt answer.

Drake never came back after he left.

I waited for a while. I dont even know how long. My body hurt, my head felt heavy, and at some point I just gave up and fell asleep.

Even in my sleep, it didnt feel peaceful. My chest stayed tight, like something bad was still holding onto me.

I woke up because of pain. Sharp, stinging pain in my arm.

I looked down and saw thick bandages wrapped around it, soaked faintly with blood.

What what are you doing? I asked, my voice weak.

The nurse didnt even look up. Changing your dressing. You just had a skin graft, so its going to hurt for a while. Try not to move too much.

My mind went blank. Skin graft? What are you talking about?

She paused, then looked at me like I was the strange one. You didnt know? The Luna in the next room had a scrape on her arm. Alpha Thornhill requested that a patch of your skin be used for her treatment.

My ears rang.

She just had a small injury, the nurse went on, sighing. But you know how it is. Different fates. Some people get worried over the tiniest scratch, and others She didnt finish, but I understood.

My face went cold.

So even my body

Even my skin he could just take it and give it to her.

My lips trembled. It felt like I swallowed something burning. Can you help me transfer to another hospital? I asked quietly.

Transfer? she repeated. Why would you

The door opened before she could finish.

Transfer to where?

Drake walked in, carrying bags of fruits and food. Things I used to like.

He set everything down, took off his coat, and came straight to me. Why are you talking about transferring? Dont move around like this. Youre still weak.

I didnt answer. I just watched him.

He gently wiped my hands, my feet, like he always did. Then he picked up fruit, peeled it carefully, and held it to my lips. Here. Eat something first. You havent eaten since yesterday, right?

I didnt move.

He sighed softly. Chloe, dont be like this. You need to eat if you want to recover. Dont make me worry, okay?

He scooped up some soup, blew on it until it cooled, and brought it closer. Just one bite. Come on.

So gentle. So patient.

Just like before.

And that was the cruelest part.

Because I knew

Hed do the same for her. No. Even more.

Hed always give Chiara the best portion first. This one tastes better, I once heard him say. You should have this.

Hed kneel beside her bed, pressing his ear to her stomach again and again. In a few more months, youll feel the pup move, hed say, his voice full of excitement. I cant wait.

Hed leave after I fell asleep. I knew. I didnt need to see it before. But now I could.

I saw him slip into her room at night. I saw the way they looked at each other. The way his hands touched her. The marks they didnt bother hiding anymore.

And during the day, hed introduce her openly.

This is my mate and Luna, hed say, his tone proud and gentle. Shes pregnant. Take good care of her.

Not me. Never me.

I just watched. Quiet. No tears. No questions.

What was the point?

People who really want to leave they dont waste time saying goodbye.

...

The days passed. Cold, slow, empty.

Sometimes, when Drake was with Chiara, Id quietly make a call.

Hello its me, Id whisper. Hows the process going? When can I leave?

Soon, Ms. Brightman, the agent would reply. Were almost done. Just a little longer.

And I waited.

On the day I was discharged, I finally got the message.

Ms. Brightman, your documents will be ready by the morning after tomorrow.

I stared at the words for a long time.

Then I smiled.

For the first time in I dont even know how long.

Finally.

Drake paused beside me, one hand still supporting Chiara. He looked at me like something caught him off guard.

Chloe youre smiling, he said quietly. What happened? Did something good come up?

I shook my head lightly. Nothing. I just felt a little better.

He stepped closer, pulling me into his arms before I could move away. Thats good, he murmured. You should smile more. Dont stay sad all the time. Im here, okay? Ill always be here for you.

Always.

I gently pulled back, avoiding his hold. Im fine, I said softly.

He looked at me for a second, something uneasy flashing in his eyes. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. Alright. Lets go home.

On the way back, he kept glancing at me.

Are you really okay? he asked again. Youve been quiet. If somethings bothering you, just tell me. You dont have to keep everything to yourself.

I looked out the window. Theres nothing to say.

He frowned slightly, then reached out like he wanted to hold my hand.

Before he could

Watch out! Chiara suddenly screamed.

Everything happened too fast. A massive black SUV came out of nowhere, crashing straight into us. A loud bang exploded in my ears. And then everything flipped.

I had a dream. A long one. Too real. Too painful.

I went back to five years ago the first time I met him. I could still see back then. I used to love going out alone, exploring pack borders, climbing mountains like nothing could ever touch me.

And then I found himlying in the middle of nowhere, deep in a dead mountain range, his leg twisted, his body burning with fever. An alpha, half-dead and alone.

I remember kneeling beside him, shaking. Hey can you hear me? Dont die, okay? Im not strong enough to drag a corpse down this mountain.

He didnt answer. So I stayed. I gave him everything I hadmy food, my water, my medicine. I stayed awake for days, taking care of him like he was the only thing that mattered.

Three days later, he woke up.

And I collapsed right after.

When I woke again, he was the one holding me, his wrist cut open, his blood pressed to my lips.

Drink, he said, hoarse but firm. Youre not dying on me. Not after you saved me.

I tried to push him away. Are you crazy? Youll weaken yourself.

He shook his head. Im an alpha. I can handle it. You cant.

He fed me his blood again and again until help came.

Later, when he chased me, when he refused to let me go, he would always say the same thing.

We survived that place together. That kind of thing doesnt happen twice. It means something, Chloe. It means were bound. Fate, past life, whatever you want to call it Im not letting you go.

I believed him. I really did.

But then the dream twisted.

Everything blurred, and suddenly it wasnt me anymore.

I saw him throwing me toward a group of wild beasts, his face cold, choosing her over me without hesitation.

I screamed.

And woke up.

My head pounded. My body felt heavy. My hands and feet were tied, something rough covering my eyes. I couldnt see anything again.

Where where am I? I whispered.

Voices answered.

Alpha Thornhill, a man said, mocking, amused. You really have some nerve. You crushed my pack, took our territory, left us with nothing. Did you really think Id just let that go?

Drakes voice came low and dangerous. Jakobi Corvo rogue alpha. You kidnapped me? Youve got guts. But youre signing your own death warrant.

Jakobi laughed, loud and unhinged. Death? I already lost everything. If I die, Ill drag you down with me. But killing you too fast wheres the fun in that?

Hands grabbed me, dragging me across the ground. Stones scraped my back and I bit down hard to keep from crying out.

Another voiceChiara, crying. Let me go! Please please dont do this

We were thrown down side by side.

Drake snapped, Let them go. This is between you and me. Dont drag them into it.

Jakobi ignored him. I could hear the smile in his voice. Lets play a game, Alpha. You like games, right? Ive prepared a few little punishments. You just need to choose who takes them.

My heart dropped.

No, Drake said immediately. You want something, say it. Land, money, powerIll give it to you. Just let them go.

Stop wasting my time, Jakobi snapped. First game.

Chains clinked. Low growls followed.

The first punishment is blood bait.

I froze.

Well smear one of them with fresh blood and throw them into a pit of starving rogue wolves, Jakobi went on, almost cheerful. Let them chase. Let them hunt. Dont worry, Ill pull them out before they die maybe.

Drakes breathing turned heavy. Youre insane.

Choose.

Silence.

Then suddenly, we were shoved forward. Something cold and wet smeared across my skin. The smell hit instantlyblood.

No! I gasped.

The ground beneath me dropped.

I fell.

Growls exploded around me. I couldnt see, but I could feel them circling, closing in.

Drake! I screamed. Please!

He roared, furious, desperate. Stop! I said stop! Ill choose!

The wolves snapped closer. Claws brushed my leg.

Who? Jakobi asked, amused. Her? Or the pregnant one?

My chest tightened.

For a second I waited.

I still waited.

His voice came out strained. I

Then Chiara cried, choking, Drake please save me our pup I cant I cant die

Everything went quiet. Even the wolves seemed to pause.

And then

Chiara.

Just one word.And that was it. Something inside me broke so quietly I almost didnt notice.

The wolves lunged.

Pain exploded as teeth tore into my flesh, claws ripping, my body dragged and thrown like I wasnt even human. I screamed until my voice disappeared.

Then they pulled me out only to throw me back again.

And again.

I lost count.

By the time they dragged me out for the last time, I couldnt even move. I could barely breathe.

Are you trying to kill her? Drake shouted, his voice breaking. She wont survive this!

Jakobi laughed softly. You chose this. Dont look at me like that.

I was thrown onto the ground. My body felt numb, heavy, like it wasnt mine anymore.

Second game, Jakobi said casually. Lets make this more interesting.

Something was dragged. Metal scraping.

A silver whip. Ninety-nine lashes. Alpha Thornhill choose again. Who takes it this time?

Drake didnt answer right away. His breathing was rough, uneven.

My lungs burned. I coughed, choking on blood, my whole body shaking. I couldnt even lift my head anymore.

So this is it? Is this how I end

The next second, his answer came.

Chiara.

Chiara broke into tears, clutching her chest and looking at me like shed been saved from death itself. Chloe already suffered so much. I I dont know what to say! I didnt mean for things to turn out like this.

I didnt look at her. I looked at him. Drake. Why? My voice barely came out. Why is it always her? Tell me, Drake, just once, tell me why.

He didnt answer.

The whip came down before I could hear anything else. A sharp crack split the air and pain exploded across my back. I gasped, my body jerking forward, my fingers digging into the rough ground.

Stones cut into my skin and blood smeared under my nails. One. Another strike. Two. I bit my lip, but the sound still slipped out. Three The pain kept building, tearing me apart piece by piece.

Drake I choked out, my voice shaking. Does it hurt you at all watching this? Or am I just nothing now?

No answer.

By the time it reached fifty, I couldnt think straight. My back was soaked, blood dripping down my sides. Fifty-five! someone called out. My vision blurred. My body swayed.

Stop! Drake roared, I said stop hitting her! Cant you hear me? Thats enough, she cant take it anymore! Chains rattled as he broke free, rushing toward me.

For a second I thought, I really thought But then

Drake! Chiara screamed, My stomach!! It hurts somethings wrong! I think Im losing our babies please, help me

Everything froze. I felt it. That hesitation. Drake stopped. Grabbed her. Whats wrong? Talk to me. Are you in pain? Dont scare me like this breathe, okay? Im here.

I laughed weakly.

It came out broken. So this is it right? Another whip came down. I coughed, blood spilling from my mouth.

Chloe! Drake shouted. His voice sounded far away now.

Jakobi laughed, slow and cruel. Alpha Thornhill, this is getting interesting. Ive got a medical team ready, but you can only save one. Think carefully are you choosing her again? Or do you finally want to change your answer?

Another strike. Another. I couldnt hear properly anymore. Everything rang. I forced my eyes open. I saw Drake and Jakobi talking, mouths moving, but I couldnt hear the words. Then Jakobi nodded.

Drake picked Chiara up, held her close, and turned away. He walked off without even looking back. Not once. A laugh slipped out of me, weak and shaking.

Ha so this is it Ninety-nine lashes, and somehow none of them hurt as much as that moment.

The sky turned red as the sun set, like the world was bleeding with me. Something soft landed on me, a white seabird, its feathers turning red instantly.

Drake I whispered, Your fate your bond all those things you said they meant nothing, didnt they? I tried to breathe but it hurts. Everything hurts. If theres another life I wont love you again.

Then darkness swallowed everything.

I dont know how long it has been. When I woke again, there were sirens, people shouting, hands moving around me. They said I was lucky. They said I survived. I didnt feel lucky.

At the hospital, they treated my wounds and told me to stay, but I refused. What was the point? I went back to the glass house alone.

The place he built for me, every detail made just to make me smile. Now it didnt feel like mine anymore. Chiara had only been there for two months, but she was everywhere. Her clothes, her scent, her things filling spaces that used to be mine.

My dressing room was a mess, my music room filled with her stuff like Id never existed. Even the wooden carving I made for him, the one he once held like it meant everything, was lying on the floor, crooked and forgotten. I stared at it for a long time. Did he really cry back then or was that fake too?

Outside, the sky was completely dark. A whole day and night had passed, and he never came back. Of course he didnt. He was with her.

I smiled a little, but it felt empty. I wiped the blood from my lips slowly, then took out the papers I prepared and placed them inside the mailbox at the front of the glass house.

The first thing I grabbed was the test report from that cursed bouquet Chiara gave me yesterday.

I opened it slowly, my fingers trembling, and my chest ached like someone had slammed a fist into it.

The bouquet wasnt just flowers. It was packed with intoxicating spices. The rogue wolf and the shadow lynx went berserk because of that. It wasnt an accident. It was planned. Deliberate. And he never noticed, never questioned, never even blinked while I almost died.

I clutched the second item, my hands shaking so hard the papers crumpled. It was my medical report from the hospital.

The miscarriage. My child. My baby. All because he chose Chiara. Again. Just like that night with the rogue wolves, when I was thrown into their cage, my body battered, freezing, suffocating, and he he saved her instead of me.

He made me suffer through the silver whips for her apology show, and he let me bleed, thrash, nearly die, while she watched. And now I knewhed done it twice. Twice hed indirectly killed a child I carried for him.

And the third thing my chest tightened when I held the broken diamond ring. The one he picked himself in Africa five years ago, polished until it shined a million times.

A half-year of patience, a symbol of his devotion, he said. He said hed love me forever, that I was the only one. That ring had meant everything. And now, it was nothing. He left it to remind me what love could look like when it was fake.

I whispered to myself, almost laughing bitterly, Drake, it was you it was all you.

The helicopters roar cut through the sky and I squinted up, seeing a familiar face poking its head out.

Arent you leaving, Alice? Alaric called.

I hesitated a moment, then forced a smile through the burning pain in my chest. Do you have a lighter, Alaric?

He whistled and tossed a box down. Thats all I got.

Good enough, I said, gripping the match box tight. My fingers shook so badly, I thought I might drop it.

Step by step, I walked toward the glass house. Every step burned in my legs, every breath in my chest was heavy with memories of what once felt like home. The walls had seen laughter, music, warmth, and now theyd see fire.

I thought about Drake. About his hands on me, soft and warm, the alpha that claimed me. About the nights I thought we shared something sacred. My throat hurt. My eyes burned. My heart felt like it had been hollowed out. And yet I had to do this.

I held up the match, my other hand pressed to my neck where his mark had been. The imprint burned under my fingers. Pain shot through me, sharp and deep, and I gritted my teeth.

I whispered to the shadows of that glass house, to the ghosts of the life I lost, I am Luna Chloe Brightman. I reject you, Alpha Drake Thornhill. I sever the bond. You are no longer mine.

The pain hit like a wave, electric, burning through my veins. I grabbed the mark and pulled. It screamed in my mind. My body convulsed, but I held on.

I felt him inside me, the bond snapping, tearing apart. My lungs burned, my tears mixed with blood and sweat, but I didnt stop. I couldnt. Not anymore.

I struck the match.

And I threw it at the glass house.

The flames erupted immediately, roaring higher than I thought possible. I could see the windows shattering, the roof collapsing, and the rooms where my laughter had once lived now swallowed by fire. The scent of smoke and burning wood stung my nose, and my heart twisted. Every memory of him, every promise, every lie everything vanished into the flames.

Alarics voice came from behind me, steady and calm. Are you okay, Chloe?

I nodded, but my lips barely moved. Im fine. Im free now.

He didnt argue. He knew better.

I glanced back once at the burning house.

And I felt it. The emptiness. The cold, crushing void.

But I kept moving. Step by step, toward the helicopter. I climbed aboard, the engine shaking the night, the wind whipping my hair, the flames behind me like a warning to anyone who thought they could ever hold me again.

This is it. Goodbye, Drake. Goodbye, everything you ever promised.

The helicopter lifted into the sky, cutting through the darkness toward the ocean, and I let the wind carry away the last pieces of what he thought he owned.

I was gone.