I Refuse to Be Your Luna

I stumbled into the pack station and rushed to the front desk, desperation making my voice tremble. Please... my husband, Rowan Ashcroft, has disappeared. No one has seen him for five days. You have to help me find him. Every word came out unsteady. For the first time, I hated my blind eyes with all my heart. They couldn't show me what everyone else seemed to know.

The officer stared at me as though I'd said something absurd. Wait a minute. You said your husband is Rowan Ashcroft? His brows drew together. What's your name?

Im Lillian Ashcroft. My fingers nervously twisted the edge of my hoodie. Have you... found any information about him?

Instead of answering, his face hardened. His hand struck the desk with a loud bang. Lillian? Maam, stop joking around and tell me who you really are.

I stood there, stunned. I am Luna Lillian Ashcroft.

He scoffed without a trace of sympathy. Just because you're blind and happen to resemble someone doesn't mean you can pretend to be her.

My heart lurched painfully. Before I could respond, he turned toward the large LED screen mounted on the wall. The news anchor's voice echoed through the station, and every word made my blood run cold.

To celebrate Luna Lillian Ashcroft's pregnancy, Alpha Rowan Ashcroft has gifted his mate a luxurious mountain retreat and hosted a grand pack celebration worth millions. Photos and updates of the couple have flooded social media, with nine posts a day keeping the entire wolf community talking.

Then I heard the voice I'd recognize anywhere.

Rowan.

He appeared on the screen, smiling with the same warmth I once believed belonged only to me.

My only wish this New Year, he said, is for my mate to stay healthy, safe, and happy.

A soft laugh sounded beside him.

Celeste.

The sweetness in her voice pierced straight through me. My face drained of color, and my knees nearly gave out. It wasn't me standing beside him.

It was her.

Five years ago, I lost my eyesight during a pack accident. Rowan had been devastated, but everyone around us insisted that no Alpha should be tied to a blind mate. They whispered behind my back, made decisions without me, and eventually found someone who could take my place.

That someone was Celeste.

She looked so much like me that they believed no one would question it.

I still remembered the day Rowan discovered what they had done. His eyes had been bloodshot with rage, and his entire body shook with fury.

Leave! he'd shouted at her. There's only one woman I love, and that's Lillian! No one else could ever replace her!

That same night, he rushed to the infirmary. The moment he reached me, he wrapped me tightly in his arms. I felt his tears soak into my shoulder as he whispered, Tomorrow we'll complete the mating ceremony. You'll officially become my mate... the only mate I'll ever have.

Everyone in the pack knew how deeply he loved me.

Everyone knew how much he despised Celeste.

Yet now she stood where I should have been, smiling beside him, wearing my face while living my life.

What had changed?

Had he forgotten me?

Or had I simply been erased from his heart?

I wanted answers. I wanted to find him, shake him until he looked me in the eyes, and force him to explain everything.

I barely took a step before disaster struck.

A billboard crashed down without warning.

A violent pain burst through my head, and darkness swallowed me whole. Just before I lost consciousness, I heard my driver scream in terror.

Luna!

Then everything disappeared.

When I finally woke, blinding white light flooded my eyes. The pain was so intense that I immediately shut them again, terrified I'd lost my vision forever. But after several slow breaths, I opened them once more. The room was blurry at first, then gradually became clearer with every blink.

I stared in disbelief.

I could see.

Colors, shapes, sunlight... everything was there.

My eyesight had returned.

Before I could make sense of the miracle, voices drifted through the closed door outside my room.

Alpha, how long do you plan to let Celeste continue pretending she's Luna Lillian? It's already been five years.

My body stiffened.

Beta Kieran.

Rowan's closest confidant.

I ask myself the same thing, Rowan answered, his voice rough with exhaustion. Back then, the elder council refused to accept a blind Luna. I couldn't lose Lillian, so I lied to everyone. I claimed her vision had recovered... and I allowed Celeste to stand in her place.

Kieran didn't hide his disbelief.

The elders who opposed you are gone now. Why are you still keeping this secret alive?

Rowan fell silent before replying.

Celeste is pregnant.

His voice grew quieter.

And... somewhere along the way, after pretending for so long... I realized I can't imagine life without her anymore. I don't want her to leave me.

What? Kieran blurted out. Alpha, are you saying you've fallen for Celeste? Have you forgotten what happened? Her brother was responsible for the accident! He's the reason Lillian lost her sight! Your true mate has lived in darkness because of that family.

A threatening growl cut him off.

Enough, Kieran. Celeste wasn't responsible for her brother's crimes. I already punished him. He's been imprisoned and will never return to the pack.

Kieran refused to back down.

You're hiding everything from Luna. She lives isolated in the mountains with no signal, trapped inside that glass house you built for her. She believes every lie you've told her. She has no idea what you've done... but if she ever learns the truth...

His voice trailed away.

I covered my mouth to keep myself from crying aloud. Tears streamed freely down my face while my entire body felt colder than the snow covering the mountains outside.

Everything Rowan had done for me suddenly looked different.

The glass house.

His promises.

His endless affection.

None of it had been freedom.

It had all been a carefully decorated cage.

My eyes landed on the stack of portraits resting on the bedside table. Rowan had drawn every one himself, preserving moments he once claimed he'd treasure forever.

One portrait showed the desert expedition where he broke his leg, and I stayed beside him day and night until he recovered.

Another captured the time he climbed a dangerous cliff during a blizzard to pick a rare medicinal herb for me. His hands were bleeding, yet he smiled proudly after placing it in mine.

There was one of wolves from the northern clans dancing beneath the full moon because he remembered how much I loved watching our traditions.

Near the bottom of the stack was the drawing of the glass house itself, specially designed so his blind mate could live comfortably, every detail created with me in mind.

Every portrait carried the same expression in his eyes.

The love I had once treasured.

The love I had trusted without question.

The love I could no longer bear to look at.

In one painting, he knelt before me, smiling gently.

From today on, he'd promised, I'll become your eyes. My heart will always belong to you alone, Lillian.

I looked at every portrait one last time.

Every memory now felt fake.

Every promise had become another lie.

My hands trembled as I forced myself to smile, though bitterness filled my chest.

I lit a match.

The first portrait curled as flames spread across its surface.

Then another.

And another.

One by one, I fed every drawing to the fire before throwing them onto the bed. The flames quickly swallowed them, smoke rising through the beautiful glass house until the fresh spring air turned gray with ash.

Rowan...

Your love was never as pure as I believed.

The protection you offered me as my Alpha was built on deception.

I don't want your love anymore.

I don't want you.

And I refuse to spend another day trapped inside the prison your lies created.

The fire alarm shrieked through the house, its piercing sound echoing endlessly down the halls.

As I watched the flames consume every memory we'd shared, only one question remained.

How could I have trusted an Alpha who had lied to me for five years... and still claimed it was love?

After escaping the burning house, I stumbled through the smoke, coughing until my lungs hurt. My chest felt painfully tight as I spotted an old phone booth by the roadside. With trembling hands, I picked up the receiver and dialed the number I had memorized years ago.

Alaric... My voice barely came out above a whisper. Does your offer still stand? Can I... still return to the pack?

Silence lingered for a moment before his familiar, deep voice reached me, warm and steady.

Always, Arianne, he answered without hesitation. The Northern Pack has never stopped waiting for you. Everyone keeps asking when their favorite she-wolf is finally coming home.

I closed my eyes and gripped the receiver tighter.

There's just one problem, I admitted quietly. Changing my identity will take at least three days, and slipping out of New York won't be easy. Rowan knows me too well. He'll never let me leave if he realizes what I'm doing.

Alaric sighed softly.

You're right. Rowan has always been possessive where you're concerned. The moment you step outside that glass house, he'll know. So how are you planning to get away from him?

I drew in a shaky breath.

Then I'll make sure the only thing he finds... is my dead body.

The words left my mouth without emotion, yet they carried every ounce of my resolve. If he'd been able to let another woman become me, then I could disappear from his life forever.

Before I could say anything else, a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around my waist from behind.

I gasped.

My wife... Rowan's voice cracked as he buried his face against my shoulder. Thank goodness you're safe. If I'd lost you today... I don't think I'd want to keep living.

My body went completely rigid.

Every instinct screamed at me to shove him away, to run as far as I could, yet I couldn't make myself move.

Luna, are you hurt? Kieran asked as he hurried over. Anxiety was written all over his face. Alpha rushed into the fire after you. He knew you couldn't see. The chandelier almost came down on both of you.

Kieran. Rowan cut him off sharply. That's enough.

His arms tightened around me.

She made it out alive. That's all that matters. I couldn't care less about the house... or anything else.

Smoke clung to his clothes. Ash stained his skin, and several places on his jacket were scorched from the flames.

My heart clenched.

I hated that it did.

I hated that he had risked his own life to save mine after letting Celeste steal the life that should have been mine all along.

Then my gaze landed on the person walking toward us.

Celeste.

She emerged from the lingering smoke dressed in spotless white, calmly pulling a suitcase behind her as though the fire had never happened.

Alpha Ashcroft, she greeted gently.

Rowan immediately released me, though I sensed his reluctance. After smoothing his hair, he turned to face her.

Sweetheart, he said softly, one of my business associates is here. Just give me a moment.

He walked over, took both of her hands, and began signing.

Why did you come here by yourself? Didn't I tell you I'd visit tonight? I wanted to stay with you and the babies to make sure you were safe.

Celeste answered in fluent sign language, her expression filled with guilt.

I missed you. I wanted to come because I owe Lillian an apology. I've done her wrong, and I wanted to make things better.

Rowan slowly shook his head.

No... you're not the one who owes her anything.

His fingers moved with quiet sorrow.

I've failed both of you. I forced you to live someone else's life because of my own selfish decisions. I lied to Lillian, and I trapped you inside those lies too. Everything happened because I was too afraid to face the truth.

He gently rested his forehead against hers.

I couldn't let Lillian find out... and I couldn't bear to lose you either. I kept convincing myself I was protecting both of you, when really I was only protecting myself.

Celeste's eyes softened as she signed again.

I never wanted any of this, Rowan. I only wanted Lillian to be safe... and our baby too. You've been carrying this burden alone.

Rowan leaned forward and kissed her.

It wasn't passionate.

It was tender.

Heartbreaking.

When they finally pulled apart, he smiled faintly before signing once more.

I've already picked our babies' names. If it's a boy, he'll be Rowann. If it's a girl, she'll be Chanelle.

Something inside my chest shattered.

This was my Alpha.

My mate.

The man who had once sworn there would never be another woman.

Yet every belief I had built my life around was crumbling right before my eyes.

Why did love have to hurt this much?

Almost exactly a year earlier, I had discovered I was carrying his child.

I thought fate had finally chosen happiness for us.

Rowan had been ecstatic.

He reserved an entire hot spring resort so we could celebrate alone, insisting we deserved time away from the rest of the pack.

Everything felt perfect.

Then his phone rang.

A young woman was crying on the other end. Her voice was faint, but I heard enough to know she was desperate.

For reasons I couldn't explain, my heart began to sink.

Rowan crouched beside me and kissed my stomach.

My love, he whispered, there's an emergency back at the pack. Wait here for me. I'll come back as soon as I can.

I believed every word.

I waited.

Morning passed.

Then night.

I stayed there believing he'd return.

Instead, an avalanche came crashing down the mountain.

Snow swallowed everything in its path.

Our unborn pup...

Our baby...

was gone.

I lost the child before I ever had the chance to hold them.

Later, I saw Rowan resting his hand against Celeste's pregnant belly.

He touched her with the same tenderness he'd once shown me.

The same gentle smile.

The same promises.

The same careful affection.

A bitter smile found its way onto my lips.

The only one buried beneath that winter's snow had been me.

Not long afterward, I overheard him speaking to her.

Sweetheart, he said warmly, I've been busy with pack matters, so I hired a nutritionist to look after you while I'm away.

His hand covered hers with effortless familiarity, and the look in his eyes was impossibly gentle.

As though she were the only woman who mattered.

Hello, Miss Brightman, the nutritionist greeted politely.

Miss Brightman.

Not Mrs. Ashcroft.

Not Luna.

Not me.

For a split second, Rowan hesitated.

Then he said nothing.

He didn't correct the mistake.

He didn't even react.

He simply accepted it.

I dug my nails into my palms so hard they nearly broke the skin, forcing myself to stay silent instead of falling apart where I stood.

A few moments later, Rowan draped a thick wool coat over my shoulders.

You'll catch a cold, he said gently. Let's head home.

I instinctively turned toward him.

But from the corner of my eye, I saw Celeste give him a small nod.

Rowan leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss against her lips.

The tenderness between them wasn't accidental.

It was natural.

Comfortable.

Like something they'd shared countless times before.

That evening, I watched him move around the kitchen.

Nothing had changed.

He still served me soup with the same careful attention he'd always shown, placing the bowl in front of me as though I were precious.

Then he turned toward Celeste.

With a smile, he wiped a streak of sauce from the corner of her lips.

His eyes shone with unmistakable affection.

He signed playfully,

You're unbelievable. How can someone be this adorable?

I lowered my gaze to the bowl in front of me.

The soup was warm, but I couldn't taste it.

My eyes stung, yet no tears came.

I wanted to cry.

I desperately wanted to.

But I couldn't.

Because I knew that smile.

I knew those gentle hands.

I knew the softness in his eyes whenever he looked at someone he loved.

And at that moment, the truth became impossible to deny.

Every embrace.

Every promise.

Every gentle touch he'd given Celeste...

None of it had been an act anymore.

Somewhere along the way...

Rowan had truly fallen in love with her.

And I had become nothing more than the forgotten woman he left behind.

unbearably heavy.

Even if I could see again...

What difference would it make?

Would I simply witness him choosing Celeste with my own eyes? Would every lie become impossible to ignore?

A long silence followed.

Then Rowan answered.

No.

The doctor sounded stunned.

...No? Alpha, perhaps you misunderstood me. This is wonderful news. She has a real chance to recover her vision.

Rowan's reply came without the slightest hesitation, colder than winter itself.

Didn't Pierce explain the situation? For the past five years, I've instructed him to prescribe nothing beyond ordinary supplements.

The room fell silent.

When the doctor finally spoke again, disbelief filled his voice.

You mean you've deliberately withheld the treatment? Alpha... that's wrong. Lady Lillian deserves to know the truth. She deserves the opportunity to recover.

Rowan released a slow breath.

And if she regains her sight, then what? he asked evenly. Have you considered what happens after that? What becomes of Celeste once everything is exposed?

With all due respect, Alpha, the doctor insisted, your mate's well-being should be your priority. You can't keep her blind simply because it makes your situation easier.

It isn't about convenience.

Rowan's tone turned dangerously calm.

It's about maintaining balance. I'm protecting both of them, and that decision isn't yours to question.

My fingers instinctively closed around my wedding ring.

They wouldn't stop trembling.

So...

He had known all along.

He knew my blindness wasn't permanent.

He knew there was treatment that could have given me my sight back.

And he chose to keep it from me.

Why?

Was I nothing more than someone easier to control if I remained blind?

Someone he could hide away whenever it suited him?

A sharp snap broke through my thoughts.

Only then did I realize I had yanked the ring from my swollen finger with so much force that it tore the skin. Blood slowly trickled between my fingers, warm against my palm.

I turned and ran.

I wasn't even sure where I was going.

All I knew was that I had to get away before I fell apart.

By the time I reached my room, I was shaking so violently I could barely breathe.

My shoulder struck the edge of a table.

A framed wedding photograph toppled onto the floor with a loud crash.

I stared down at it.

In the picture, Rowan was gently kissing my forehead, his eyes overflowing with love and devotion.

As though I had once been his entire world.

Why...? I whispered hoarsely. Why would you deceive me like this?

Tears slipped down my face before I even realized I was crying.

Then, somehow...

I started laughing.

A broken, hollow laugh echoed through the room.

Haha... Rowan... I choked out. You're incredible. You planned every bit of this, didn't you?

Nausea twisted violently in my stomach. I bent over, retching as bitterness burned my throat.

All those years I blamed myself... all those nights I thought I was broken... you made sure I'd never know the truth.

I cried until there were no tears left.

Then I picked up the photograph.

I removed it from the frame.

Without hesitating, I fed it into the paper shredder.

The machine slowly pulled the picture inside.

Its grinding sound echoed through the room while tiny strips of paper fell into the bin below.

With every piece it destroyed, it felt as though another part of my heart disappeared with it.

Every promise.

Every memory.

Every I love you.

Reduced to scraps.

My love... what are you doing?

Rowan's voice came from behind me.

I never looked back.

Silently, I gathered the shredded remains and dumped them into the trash.

Nothing, I answered calmly.

It was just... a damaged file.

I don't need it anymore.

He walked closer, frowning.

A damaged file? His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the shredded paper. Why does that look so familiar? Lillian... what exactly did you

The bedroom door opened before he could finish.

Rowan.

Celeste's gentle voice floated into the room.

He turned immediately.

Without another glance at me.

She entered carrying a bouquet of white lilies, their fragrance filling the room almost instantly.

I brought these, she said shyly. I thought Lillian might like them.

The concern in Rowan's eyes appeared at once.

You shouldn't be walking around so much, he said. What if something happens to you... or the baby?

She smiled reassuringly.

I'm alright. I only wanted to do something thoughtful.

Rowan accepted the bouquet before placing it into my arms.

These are for you.

Celeste smiled sweetly.

Happy birthday, Miss Brightman.

The overwhelming scent struck me immediately.

My throat tightened.

I couldn't breathe.

A violent coughing fit overtook me, tears streaming uncontrollably from my eyes.

Rowan frowned.

What's wrong? Are you allergic to lilies? Why didn't you tell me before?

Before I could answer, Celeste walked behind me and gently covered my eyes with both hands.

She laughed softly.

Come on, she teased. Just a few more steps. No peeking. I prepared a surprise especially for you.

I didn't resist.

I simply let her guide me forward.

What reason did I have to argue anymore?

Okay, she said brightly. Ready?

She removed her hands.

Surprise!

My eyes settled on the dining table.

Raw meat sat across the marble surface, still dripping with fresh blood. White foam clung to it as though it hadn't even been washed properly. Beside it, the vegetables were burned beyond recognition, blackened from being left over the fire too long.

I simply stared.

Was this supposed to be a gift?

Or was I the one everyone was laughing at?

Celeste suddenly slapped a hand against her forehead.

Oh no! she exclaimed. I completely forgot. Miss Brightman... you can't really see, can you? I didn't even think about how this would look.

She covered her mouth in embarrassment, acting as though she'd made an innocent mistake.

Rowan immediately took both of her hands.

His movements were gentle as he signed reassuringly.

It's alright. Don't blame yourself. Lillian won't take something like this personally. She's not that sensitive.

Not that sensitive.

Celeste lowered her eyes, her fingers moving hesitantly.

Why do I keep messing everything up? I only wanted to make her happy, but I can't seem to do anything right.

Rowan smiled with quiet affection.

Don't say that. You're trying your best, and that's enough for me. You never have to be perfect.

She sniffled before signing again.

I baked her a mango cake too. I thought maybe something sweet would cheer her up.

Rowan turned toward me with the same gentle expression that had once made me believe I was loved.

Come on, sweetheart, he coaxed softly. She put a lot of effort into this. At least have a taste.

I remained exactly where I was.

My hands slowly curled into fists.

I was exhausted.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

I didn't think I had anything left to give.

Rowan, I said at last, my voice barely above a whisper.

Do you even remember what today really is?

He looked confused.

What are you talking about? he asked. Today's your birthday.

I met his eyes.

No.

A painful smile touched my lips.

It isn't.

Silence settled between us.

Finally, I broke it.

Today is the anniversary of our son's death, I said quietly. The day the avalanche buried everything... the day you never came back.

His expression faltered.

For the briefest moment, I caught something in his eyes.

Regret.

Maybe guilt.

At that point, I couldn't tell the difference anymore.

I glanced at the mango cake still in his hands.

And one more thing, I added. I'm allergic to mangoes.

His face drained of color.

Lillian... I... His voice stumbled. I didn't know. I thought

No, I interrupted gently. You never thought about it.

You're wrong. He took a step toward me. Please don't walk away like this. We can talk. I know you're hurting, but don't push me away.

I slowly shook my head.

I'm not angry anymore.

I looked at him one last time.

I'm simply tired of talking.

Without another word, I walked past him.

I ignored him calling my name.

I ignored Celeste's quiet sobs.

And when Rowan's voice softened as he turned to comfort her instead, I kept walking without looking back.

...

The moment I reached my room, I closed the door and shut the rest of the world outside.

Sleep eventually claimed me.

I had no idea whether I'd been asleep for hours or nearly the entire night.

A faint noise downstairs pulled me awake.

Voices.

Soft footsteps.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Rowan was sitting beside my bed.

He watched me with the same gentle expression he used to wear years ago.

My love, he said quietly after noticing I was awake. You're finally up.

I offered no reply.

I only looked at him.

I made something for you. His voice was careful, almost hesitant. A strawberry cake. It's your favorite. Will you eat a little?

When his fingers reached for mine, I quietly pulled my hand away.

I'm not hungry.

His hand remained suspended awkwardly before he lowered it with a sigh.

Don't pretend, he murmured. You're still upset with me, aren't you?

I remained silent.

After a long pause, he tried again.

Once things settle down at the pack, I'll take you out. Your favorite orchestra is performing soon. We can go together, just the two of us. Doesn't that sound nice?

I turned my face toward the window instead, refusing to answer.

He pressed his lips together before taking my hand again.

This time he didn't let go.

Celeste prepared something especially for you, he said. She arranged an animal performance because she wants to apologize properly. Just come see it. Please.

I don't want to.

The words came quietly.

He ignored them.

Naturally.

Without asking again, he slipped one arm beneath my knees and lifted me into his embrace before carrying me downstairs.

The cold night air struck me the moment we stepped outside.

I wore nothing but a thin nightgown.

The freezing wind instantly made me shiver.

My body trembled uncontrollably.

Rowan either didn't notice...

Or he noticed and simply chose not to care.

My eyes followed him as he picked up several warm coats nearby.

For one foolish second, I thought one might be for me.

It wasn't.

Every piece belonged to Celeste.

He walked straight to her, carefully helping her into a thick protective outfit. He adjusted every strap himself, gently settled the padded jacket over her shoulders, pulled gloves over her hands, then carefully fastened a safety helmet beneath her chin.

His every movement was impossibly patient.

As though she were something precious that might break.

When he finished, he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Don't overwork yourself, he told her softly. You and our baby matter more than anything else. Nothing is more important than keeping both of you safe.

The wind carried every word to where I stood.

A moment later, Celeste pulled away the heavy cloth covering a large iron cage.

I immediately froze.

Inside paced two enormous beasts.

A fully grown black bear.

A shadow lynx.

Their claws scraped violently against the metal bars as restless growls echoed through the clearing.

The instant the cover disappeared, both animals stopped moving.

Then...

They looked directly at me.

ROAR!

The bear's thunderous roar shattered the silence.

Its dark eyes remained fixed on mine with terrifying intensity.

My heart nearly stopped.

Why...

Why were they staring at me like that?

Almost instinctively, I backed away.

Then a strange scent drifted through my memory.

The lilies.

The bouquet Celeste had given me earlier.

That overpowering smell...

A chill raced through my body.

No...

Surely not...

I swallowed hard before forcing myself to speak.

Rowan...

My voice shook.

I don't feel well. Can we leave? Please... I really don't want to stay here.

Once upon a time, he would've rushed to my side without hesitation.

He would've carried me inside.

Asked if I was hurting.

Made sure I was alright before anything else.

Now...

His brows drew together impatiently.

Lillian, he said with obvious annoyance, don't start making trouble. Celeste has been preparing this for days. Can't you stay for a few minutes instead of spoiling everything?

Spoiling everything.

The words stung far more than they should have.

I forced another breath.

I'm not trying to ruin anything. I honestly don't feel well. Can we please leave afterward... or even now?

He let out another sigh.

You're worrying over nothing. Nothing bad is going to happen. Just watch the performance. It'll be finished soon.

Watch?

I nearly laughed.

Celeste stepped into the performance area while carefully holding the control chains attached to the animals.

I practiced every day for this, she said nervously. I really wanted to make it up to you. Please... let me do this.

I couldn't bring myself to answer.

The performance began.

The bear and the lynx obediently leaped through flaming hoops before balancing across narrow wooden beams. Everything appeared perfectly under control.

That's right... Celeste encouraged shakily. Slowly... good... just like that.

Rowan applauded proudly.

A bright smile spread across his face.

You're doing wonderfully, he praised. I knew you could.

His eyes never left her.

Not once.

Not even for a second.

He had completely forgotten that this performance was supposedly arranged for me.

But even that wasn't what frightened me most.

My breathing became uneven.

My hands wouldn't stop shaking.

Because no matter where they moved...

The bear and the lynx kept looking at me.

Again.

And again.

Every time our eyes met, something inside their gaze seemed darker.

Hungrier.

Like they were waiting for the perfect moment.

I quietly stepped backward.

Then another step.

I have to leave.

Now.

No one noticed me.

Of course they didn't.

I had almost slipped beyond the edge of the clearing when

Ah!

Celeste screamed.

I spun around.

She had lost her balance on the raised platform.

Her body tipped sideways.

The control chains slipped from her hands.

Everything happened at once.

The bear and the lynx became completely still.

Then deafening roars erupted from both of them.

Celeste!

Rowan shouted her name without a second's hesitation.

He sprinted straight toward her.

Celeste! Are you alright? Talk to me!

He reached her first.

Not me.

Never me.

The two beasts slowly turned their heads.

Toward me.

My breathing stopped.

No...

I stumbled backward.

Please...

Too late.

They charged.

Everything happened in a blur.

A crushing force slammed into me.

Agonizing pain exploded through every part of my body as claws tore into my flesh. It felt as though my bones were breaking apart one by one.

Aah!

My scream echoed through the night.

The pain was unbearable.

I couldn't think.

Couldn't breathe.

I collapsed onto the ground as blood spread beneath me, warm and endless.

Through my fading vision...

I searched for him.

Rowan.

He was holding Celeste tightly in his arms.

He never looked my way.

Not even once.

When I came to again, the first thing that greeted me was the sharp scent of disinfectant mixed with the metallic smell of hospital equipment. Above me, the ceiling was blindingly white.

Pain flared through my chest the moment I tried to breathe. My legs felt unbearably heavy, as if they had been crushed beneath a mountain. A faint groan escaped my lips.

"Easy," the nurse said at once, gently pressing me back onto the bed. "Don't try to move. You have three fractured ribs and your liver suffered internal bleeding. Honestly, it's a miracle you survived the night."

I blinked several times, struggling to bring her face into focus.

She continued while checking my chart, unaware that every sentence weighed on me.

"Things were a mess last night. Dr. Bennett was the only doctor on duty, and another patient's family kept demanding he see their pregnant daughter-in-law before anyone else. They caused quite a scene."

Pregnant.

My fingers twitched beneath the blanket.

Seeing my expression, the nurse quickly smiled.

"But don't worry. Her injuries turned out to be minor, so Dr. Bennett came to operate on you right afterward. You received treatment just in time."

Of course.

After a brief pause, she asked gently, "Hasn't anyone come to visit? Your family? Your mate? Someone should really be here with you."

I lowered my eyes to the blanket covering me.

"I don't have anyone."

The words scraped painfully against my throat.

She fell silent. I didn't have to look up to know she pitied me.

A moment later, voices drifted in from the hallway.

"Rowan..." Celeste sobbed. "I'm so sorry. I don't know why those animals suddenly went wild. They were calm during practice. Miss Brightman got hurt because of me."

Rowan answered almost immediately, his tone full of concern.

"Stop blaming yourself, Celeste. None of this was your fault. You were injured too. You shouldn't even be standing here."

She sniffled.

"I don't care about my injuries. I just feel terrible. I need to apologize to her. If I don't tell her I'm sorry, I'll never forgive myself."

My fingers slowly curled into a fist.

Another apology.

Rowan sighed softly.

"You're carrying our baby. You shouldn't upset yourself like this. Go back to your room and rest. I'll take care of everything."

"I don't want to leave." Her voice cracked with tears. "Please... let me see her. I have to apologize in person."

Something inside me finally broke.

Without thinking, I grabbed the glass beside my bed and hurled it across the room.

It smashed against the wall with a deafening crash.

The hallway instantly fell silent.

Seconds later, hurried footsteps approached.

Rowan burst into my room.

"Lillian!" His face was filled with worry. "What's wrong? Are you thirsty? Does something hurt? Tell me what you need."

I quietly looked at him.

Really looked at him.

His concern appeared so genuine.

Just like it always had.

And suddenly...

I felt exhausted.

Too exhausted to argue anymore.

"I want to ask you something."

He nodded immediately.

"What is it?"

"Did you investigate the bear and the shadow lynx?"

His expression froze for the briefest moment.

"They suddenly lost control," I continued. "Did anyone find out why?"

Something unreadable flickered through his eyes before disappearing.

"It was simply an accident," he replied without missing a beat. "Wild animals become unpredictable sometimes. There's nothing unusual about it."

I held his gaze.

"Nothing unusual?"

He calmly pulled the blanket higher over my shoulders as though everything were perfectly normal.

"You're thinking too much again," he said gently. "Right now, your only job is to recover. Stop worrying about things that don't matter."

At that moment...

Whatever hope remained inside me quietly died.

I stared at him while an ache spread through my chest that had nothing to do with my injuries.

Six years earlier...

The memory surfaced as vividly as if it had happened yesterday.

I'd gone alone to inspect the pack's outer border during a storm when several rogue wolves surrounded me.

Their expressions were twisted.

Their intentions even worse.

One of them grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward the trees while the others laughed.

I was terrified.

No matter how hard I struggled, I couldn't break free.

Then Rowan arrived.

I'd never forgotten the look on his face.

Pure fury.

"If any of you touches her again," he'd said in a voice that made the ground tremble beneath our feet, "I'll make you beg for death."

The rogues laughed.

So Rowan made good on his promise.

He destroyed them.

"Leave them alive," he calmly instructed the warriors after the fight.

Then his eyes turned cold.

"But make sure they regret ever laying a hand on her."

Their screams echoed through the forest for hours.

Blood stained the earth.

Not a single ounce of mercy was shown.

In the end, none of those rogues ever returned.

That was the man who once protected me without hesitation.

Yet now...

I had nearly been killed before his eyes.

I was mauled by two beasts only a few steps away from him.

And he never questioned it.

Never wondered why they suddenly attacked.

Never even considered that Celeste might somehow be involved.

The emptiness inside me was overwhelming.

"I understand," I murmured quietly before turning my face away.

He hesitated.

"Lillian..."

Before he could continue, frantic voices echoed from the hallway.

Doctors and nurses hurried past the room.

"Alpha!" someone shouted. "The Luna's condition has changed!"

Rowan stood instantly.

"I'll be back soon," he promised in a rush. "I'll bring you something to eat too. Just wait for me."

I never answered.

...

He never returned.

At first, I waited.

Minutes blurred into hours until I eventually stopped caring.

The pain drained every bit of strength from my body.

Eventually, I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

Even then, I couldn't truly rest.

Something heavy continued pressing against my heart.

A sharp sting suddenly jolted me awake.

Pain shot through my arm.

Looking down, I saw thick bandages wrapped around it. Fresh blood had already begun seeping through the white gauze.

"W-What are you doing?" I asked weakly.

The nurse continued working without looking up.

"I'm changing your dressing. You just underwent a skin graft, so it's normal for it to hurt. Try not to move."

I stared at her in confusion.

"A... skin graft?"

She finally looked at me.

"You didn't know?"

My silence answered for me.

"The Luna in the room next door scraped her arm yesterday. Alpha Ashcroft approved using a section of your skin for the graft."

For several seconds, I couldn't hear anything except the ringing in my ears.

The nurse sighed.

"Honestly, her wound wasn't even serious. But that's just how life is, I suppose. Some people have everyone rushing over a tiny scratch..."

She stopped herself before finishing.

She didn't have to.

I understood exactly what she meant.

My entire body turned cold.

So this was what I'd become.

Even my own skin...

He could take it from me whenever he wished...

...just to give it to her.

My lips trembled.

It felt as though I'd swallowed fire.

"Could you..." My voice nearly disappeared. "Could you help me transfer to another hospital?"

The nurse blinked.

"Transfer? Why would you want to"

The door suddenly swung open.

A familiar voice interrupted her.

"Transfer?"

A pair of cold eyes landed on me.

"Where exactly do you think you're going?"

Rowan stepped into the room carrying several bags filled with fruit and food.

Everything inside had once been my favorite.

He placed them on the table, shrugged off his coat, and walked straight to my bedside.

Why are you asking to transfer hospitals? he asked quietly. You're still recovering. You shouldn't be moving around.

I said nothing.

I simply looked at him.

Like always, he gently wiped my hands and feet with a warm towel before peeling an apple with practiced care. After cutting it into small pieces, he lifted one toward my mouth.

Eat a little, he coaxed. You haven't had anything since yesterday.

I remained perfectly still.

A helpless sigh escaped him.

Lillian... don't do this. Your body needs food if you want to heal. Don't make me worry.

He set the fruit aside, scooped up a spoonful of soup, blew on it until it cooled, then held it out again.

Just one bite.

His patience never wavered.

His kindness hadn't changed.

And somehow...

That hurt the most.

Because I knew the truth now.

He treated Celeste with that same tenderness.

No...

He treated her even better.

Whenever they shared a meal, he always placed the best portions on her plate first.

This piece is sweeter, I'd once heard him tell her with a smile. You should eat this one.

He would kneel beside her bed for long stretches of time, resting his ear against her stomach.

In a few more months, he'd whisper excitedly, our little pup will start kicking. I can't wait.

After I fell asleep each night, he quietly slipped out of my room.

Back then, I could only guess where he went.

Now I no longer had to wonder.

I had seen him.

I watched him disappear into Celeste's room after dark.

I saw the lingering glances they exchanged.

The way his fingers naturally found hers.

The intimate marks on their skin that neither of them bothered hiding anymore.

During the day, he introduced her openly to everyone they met.

This is my mate, he'd say proudly. Our Luna.

She'll be giving birth soon, so please take good care of her.

Never once...

Did he introduce me that way.

I watched everything in silence.

No accusations.

No tears.

No questions.

There was no reason anymore.

When someone has truly decided to leave...

They don't waste time saying goodbye.

...

The days passed one after another.

Each one colder than the last.

Whenever Rowan stayed with Celeste, I quietly made another phone call.

It's me, I'd whisper. How much longer?

The agent's reassuring voice always answered.

We're almost finished, Ms. Brightman. Just a little more time.

So I waited.

Then the morning of my discharge finally arrived.

A message appeared on my phone.

Ms. Brightman, your new documents will be completed the morning after tomorrow.

I stared at the screen for a long time.

Then...

Without realizing it...

I smiled.

It was the first genuine smile I'd worn in what felt like forever.

Finally.

I was leaving.

Rowan happened to notice.

One arm was still wrapped protectively around Celeste when he turned toward me.

His expression filled with surprise.

You're smiling, he said softly. Did something good happen?

I quietly shook my head.

Nothing important.

I just... feel a little lighter today.

Before I could step away, he pulled me into his arms.

That's better, he murmured against my hair. You should smile more often. Don't carry everything by yourself. I'm here for you.

I'll always be here.

Always.

The word almost made me laugh.

Gently, I eased myself out of his embrace.

I'm alright.

He studied me for a moment, something uncertain passing through his eyes.

Then he bent down and kissed my forehead.

If you're sure... let's go home.

The drive back was unusually quiet.

Every few minutes, Rowan glanced in my direction.

Are you certain you're okay? he asked again. You've barely spoken. If something's bothering you, tell me.

I kept my eyes on the scenery beyond the window.

There isn't anything left to say.

His brows knit together.

He slowly reached across the seat, intending to take my hand.

Before he could...

Rowan!

Celeste suddenly screamed.

Look out!

A deafening crash exploded around us.

A black SUV barreled straight into our vehicle without warning.

Metal twisted.

Glass shattered.

The world spun violently.

...

Then everything disappeared.

I dreamed.

Or perhaps...

I remembered.

Five years earlier.

Back when I could still see.

I had loved wandering alone through the mountains, exploring the outer edges of the pack's territory.

That was where I found him.

A man lying unconscious among the rocks in a lifeless mountain range.

His leg was badly broken.

His body burned with fever.

An Alpha...

Alone...

And dying.

I remembered kneeling beside him, frightened.

Can you hear me? I'd asked while gently shaking his shoulder. Don't die, okay? There's no way I can carry a dead Alpha down this mountain.

He never answered.

So I stayed.

I shared every bit of food and water I had.

Used all of my medicine on him.

For three straight days, I barely slept while caring for a complete stranger.

On the third morning...

He finally opened his eyes.

The relief hit me so hard that I collapsed almost immediately afterward.

When I regained consciousness again, everything had changed.

This time...

He was the one taking care of me.

His wrist had been cut open.

Warm Alpha blood touched my lips.

Drink, he ordered hoarsely.

You're not dying after saving me.

I weakly pushed his hand away.

Have you lost your mind? I whispered. You'll weaken yourself.

He simply shook his head.

I'll recover.

His eyes never left mine.

But you won't... unless you drink.

He kept feeding me his blood until rescuers finally found us.

From that day forward, he refused to let me disappear from his life.

Whenever I tried to leave, he'd smile and repeat the same words.

We survived that mountain together.

That kind of miracle doesn't happen twice.

It has to mean something.

Call it fate... destiny... whatever you like.

But I'm never letting you go, Lillian.

Back then...

I believed every word.

Then the dream changed.

The mountains vanished.

Everything blurred into darkness.

Suddenly...

It wasn't the Rowan I knew anymore.

I watched him shove me toward a pack of savage beasts.

His face was cold.

His eyes never left Celeste.

He chose her...

Without hesitation.

No!

I screamed.

My eyes flew open.

My head throbbed violently.

My entire body felt unbearably heavy.

My wrists and ankles were tightly bound.

Something rough covered my eyes, plunging me back into darkness.

Where... am I?

My voice barely came out.

Someone laughed.

Well, well... Alpha Ashcroft.

The unfamiliar man sounded amused.

You've got nerve.

You destroyed my pack, stole our territory, and left us with nothing.

Did you really think I'd simply forget?

Rowan's voice answered immediately.

Cold.

Deadly.

Darius Crowe.

The rogue Alpha.

You kidnapped me?

A low growl escaped him.

You've just signed your own death sentence.

Darius burst into laughter.

Death? he sneered.

I've already lost everything.

If I'm going down, you're coming with me.

But killing you immediately would be boring.

Rough hands grabbed me.

I was dragged across uneven ground.

Sharp stones tore into my back, but I bit my lip to keep from crying out.

Nearby...

I heard Celeste sobbing.

Please... let me go...

Moments later, both of us were thrown onto the ground.

Release them, Rowan demanded.

This is between you and me.

Leave them out of it.

Darius ignored him completely.

His laughter carried through the darkness.

How about we play a little game instead?

You like games, don't you, Alpha?

I've prepared several.

All you have to do... is decide who suffers.

My heart sank.

No, Rowan said immediately.

You want territory? Money? Power?

You can have it.

Just let them go.

Darius clicked his tongue impatiently.

Enough bargaining.

Let's begin.

Chains rattled somewhere nearby.

Then came low...

Hungry...

Growls.

The first game, Darius announced cheerfully, is called Blood Bait.

Ice spread through my veins.

One of your women will be covered in fresh blood...

Then dropped into a pit filled with starving rogue wolves.

They'll chase.

They'll hunt.

Don't worry.

I'll pull her out before she dies.

Probably.

Rowan's breathing became uneven.

You're insane.

Choose.

Silence answered.

Without warning, someone seized me.

A cold, sticky liquid splashed across my body.

The unmistakable scent hit me instantly.

Blood.

No!

The ground suddenly vanished beneath my feet.

I fell into the darkness.

Ferocious growls erupted around me, echoing from every direction. Though the blindfold stole my sight, I could sense the wolves moving in a tightening circle, each step bringing them closer until I could almost feel their breath against my skin.

Rowan! I cried out, panic rising in my throat. Please, help me!

Stop! he roared, his voice raw with desperation. I said stop! I'll make my choice!

The wolves hesitated for only a heartbeat before creeping closer again. Sharp claws grazed my calf, sending a shiver of terror through me.

Darius chuckled. Well, Alpha? Who will it be? Her... or the mother carrying your children?

My chest tightened painfully.

For one foolish moment, I waited.

Despite everything that had happened, I still hoped.

I... Rowan began, his voice strained.

Before he could continue, Celeste broke into sobs. Rowan... please save me. Our babies... I can't lose them. I don't want to die.

An eerie silence settled over the clearing. Even the wolves seemed to stop moving as they waited for his answer.

Then he spoke.

Celeste.

Just her name.

Nothing more.

That single word quietly shattered the last piece of my heart.

The wolves attacked.

Their teeth sank into my flesh while claws ripped across my body. They dragged me across the ground, tossing me around like prey instead of a person. My screams echoed until my voice gave out, yet they showed no mercy. They would pull me away only to throw me back into the pack again, repeating the torture until I lost all sense of time.

By the time they finally dragged me out for the last time, I couldn't even lift my head. Every breath felt like it was tearing through my lungs.

Are you trying to kill her? Rowan shouted, fury and panic blending together. She won't survive this!

Darius only smiled. Don't glare at me, Alpha. You're the one who made the decision.

I collapsed onto the ground, my body so heavy and numb it no longer felt like it belonged to me.

Now for the second game, Darius announced casually. Let's make things a little more entertaining.

A harsh scraping sound followed as something metallic was dragged across the ground.

A silver whip, he said. Ninety-nine lashes. So tell me, Alpha Ashcroft... who's taking them this time?

Rowan remained silent for several long seconds. I could hear the uneven rhythm of his breathing while I struggled to draw air into my burning lungs. Blood filled my mouth when I coughed, and violent tremors ran through my battered body.

So this is how it ends...

Finally, he answered.

Celeste.

Celeste burst into tears, clutching her chest as though she'd narrowly escaped death. Lillian has already suffered enough, she sobbed. I never wanted any of this to happen. I swear I didn't.

I never looked at her.

My eyes searched only for Rowan.

Why? I whispered, barely able to form the word. Why is it always her? Just tell me once, Rowan. Tell me why.

He never replied.

The silver whip cracked through the air before slamming across my back. A blinding wave of pain shot through my body, forcing a cry from my lips. My fingers clawed desperately at the rocky ground, sharp stones slicing into my palms until blood stained the dirt beneath them.

One!

The second lash followed immediately.

Two!

I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood, but another cry escaped anyway.

Three!

Each strike felt worse than the last, peeling away my strength little by little until all I could do was endure.

Rowan... I gasped between ragged breaths. Does watching this hurt you at all? Or have I become nothing to you?

Only silence answered me.

By the time the count passed fifty, my thoughts were slipping away. Blood streamed down my back and soaked my clothes while my vision blurred until the world became little more than shifting shadows.

Fifty-five!

My knees buckled beneath me.

Stop! Rowan suddenly shouted. That's enough! Can't you see she's dying? Stop whipping her!

The chains restraining him rattled violently before snapping apart. I heard him rush toward me, and for one fragile instant I truly believed he had chosen me at last.

Then Celeste screamed.

Rowan! My stomach! she cried in terror. Something's wrong! It hurts... I think I'm losing the babies. Please... help me.

Everything stopped.

Even without seeing him, I felt the hesitation.

Then I heard his footsteps change direction.

Celeste, he said anxiously as he caught her. Talk to me. Where does it hurt? Stay with me. I'm here.

A weak laugh escaped my lips.

So this was the answer.

Another lash struck my back, forcing blood from my mouth as I coughed violently.

Lillian! Rowan called my name, but his voice already sounded impossibly distant.

Darius laughed with cruel amusement. This just keeps getting better. My medical team is standing by, Alpha, but they can only save one person. Think carefully. Are you choosing her again... or will you finally make a different decision?

The whipping continued. Blow after blow landed until the ringing in my ears drowned out everything else. I forced my swollen eyes open just enough to make out Rowan speaking to Darius. Their mouths moved, but I could no longer hear the conversation. A moment later, Darius gave a slow nod.

Without another word, Rowan gathered Celeste into his arms. He held her close against his chest, turned around, and walked away without looking back even once.

A bitter laugh slipped from my lips.

So... this is how it ends.

Somehow, the ninety-nine lashes hurt less than watching him leave me behind.

The setting sun painted the sky a deep crimson, as though the heavens themselves were bleeding alongside me. A white seabird fluttered down and landed beside me, its spotless feathers quickly soaking up the blood that covered my body until they turned scarlet.

Rowan... I whispered through trembling breaths. You told me fate brought us together. You said our bond could never be broken. Were those promises meaningless from the very beginning?

Every breath burned, and every heartbeat sent fresh pain through my body.

If there's another life waiting for me... I hope I never fall in love with you again.

The last of my strength slipped away, and darkness quietly closed over me.

I had no idea how much time had passed before I regained consciousness. The first things I heard were the wail of sirens, frantic voices shouting over one another, and strangers rushing around me. They told me I was fortunate. They said I'd survived.

Lucky?

I couldn't bring myself to believe that.

The hospital staff cleaned and treated my injuries, insisting that I stay for further observation, but I refused. There was nothing left there for me. As soon as they discharged me, I returned alone to the glass house.

It had once been the place Rowan built with me in mind. Every room, every piece of furniture, every tiny detail had been chosen because he wanted to make me happy. Now, it felt like I was walking through someone else's home.

Celeste had only lived there for two months, yet her presence had swallowed everything.

Her perfume lingered in every hallway. Her clothes occupied closets that had once been mine. Her belongings were scattered throughout the house as though I had never existed.

When I stepped into my dressing room, it was in complete disarray. My music room had been taken over as well, filled with her things until there was almost no trace of me left.

Then my eyes landed on a wooden carving lying crooked on the floor.

I had carved it by hand and given it to Rowan years ago. Back then, he'd held it as though it were the most precious gift he'd ever received.

I stood there staring at it for a long while.

Had those tears in his eyes been genuine...

Or had they been another performance?

Outside, darkness had already swallowed the sky. An entire day and night had passed since everything happened, and Rowan still hadn't returned.

Of course he hadn't.

He was with her.

A faint smile tugged at my lips, though it carried no warmth.

I wiped the dried blood from the corner of my mouth before taking several prepared documents from my bag. Quietly, I slipped them into the mailbox standing outside the glass house.

The first envelope contained the laboratory report about the bouquet Celeste had given me.

My fingers trembled as I unfolded the pages.

Every line made the ache in my chest grow heavier.

The flowers hadn't been harmless after all.

Someone had hidden powerful intoxicating herbs among them.

Those scents were what had driven the rogue wolf and the shadow lynx into a frenzy.

It had never been an accident.

Someone had planned everything from the beginning.

Yet Rowan never questioned what happened.

He never investigated.

He never even wondered why the beasts had suddenly targeted me.

He simply accepted it while I nearly died.

My grip tightened around the second document until the paper crumpled beneath my fingers.

It was my medical report.

The words blurred before my eyes.

Miscarriage.

Our child was gone.

Because once again...

He had chosen Celeste.

Just as he had on the day I was thrown into the rogues' pit.

Just as he had while I endured the silver whip and she watched from safety.

For the second time, his decision had cost our unborn child its life.

The final item rested silently in my palm.

A broken diamond ring.

Five years ago, Rowan had traveled all the way to Africa to find that diamond himself. He'd proudly told me he'd spent months waiting for it to be polished because nothing less than perfection was worthy of me.

He had called it proof of his devotion.

A promise that I would forever be the only woman in his heart.

Now it was nothing more than shattered glass and broken promises.

I let out a bitter laugh that barely sounded like my own.

So it was you all along, Rowan.

The deep thrum of helicopter blades suddenly echoed overhead.

I looked up and saw a familiar figure leaning out from the open cabin.

Aren't you coming? Alaric called down.

Instead of answering immediately, I forced a small smile despite the ache crushing my chest.

Do you happen to have a lighter?

He gave a short whistle before tossing down a box of matches.

Closest thing I've got.

That'll do.

I caught it with trembling hands.

Every step toward the glass house felt heavier than the last. My wounded legs protested with each movement, while memories crowded my mind from every corner of the place.

Once, these walls had echoed with laughter.

They had held music, warmth, and dreams of a future together.

Tonight, they would hold only fire.

I remembered Rowan's gentle hands.

His quiet smiles.

The nights I believed I had found a love blessed by fate itself.

The memories squeezed painfully around my heart, but they no longer had the power to stop me.

I struck a match.

Before letting it fall, I lifted my free hand to the mating mark on my neck.

Even touching it sent unbearable pain racing through my body.

Gritting my teeth, I whispered into the stillness surrounding the house.

I am Luna Lillian Brightman.

My bond with you ends today, Alpha Rowan Ashcroft.

I reject you.

You are no longer my mate.

The rejection tore through me like lightning.

Agony surged through every vein as though something inside me was being ripped apart by force.

My knees nearly gave way.

I clutched my neck, feeling the bond fight to remain intact before it finally began to break.

It screamed through my mind.

My body convulsed violently.

Blood mixed with tears as they ran down my face, yet I refused to let go.

Not this time.

Never again.

With the last of my strength, I flicked the burning match toward the glass house.

The flames caught almost instantly.

Within seconds they raced across the walls, devouring everything in their path. Glass shattered in deafening bursts, the roof began collapsing, and room after room disappeared beneath waves of fire.

The home where I'd once laughed...

The place where I'd believed every promise Rowan whispered...

Everything was consumed by the blaze.

Smoke curled into the night sky, carrying away every memory I no longer wanted to keep.

Behind me, Alaric spoke quietly.

Are you alright, Lillian?

I gave a slow nod.

The words barely escaped my lips.

I will be.

I'm finally free.

He said nothing else.

He understood there was nothing left to say.

I turned for one final look at the burning glass house.

The emptiness inside me remained.

So did the grief.

But beneath them...

There was also relief.

Without another glance back, I walked toward the helicopter.

The rotors whipped my hair into the air as I climbed aboard. As the aircraft lifted from the ground, the burning house grew smaller and smaller beneath us, its flames becoming nothing more than distant light against the darkness.

This is goodbye, Rowan, I murmured to the wind. Goodbye to every promise you ever made.

The helicopter carried me farther across the night, leaving the fire, the lies, and the man who had once been my entire world behind.

This time, I didn't look back.

I was gone.