Seven
I didn’t react. I tried to feel something–pain, anger, anything–but there was nothing left.”
“You’re not even gonna say anything? Just act like it’s nothing?” Monica spat at me, clearly pissed.}
But I didn’t flinch. Didn’t even blink. That only made her more furious. She raised her hand to slap me–then froze. She sensed Lucas coming.”
And just like that, she grabbed my wrist like I’d pushed her. Before I could even respond, she threw herself back, stumbling like I’d attacked her.
“Sis, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean what I said! It’s just… Brother Lucas is dead!” she cried out dramatically right as Lucas showed up–face full of concern.
“What did you do, Luna!” Lucas barked, rage in his voice as he scooped Monica into his arms like some tragic heroine. His glare could’ve killed me on the spot.
My wolf growled inside me, furious, begging to take over. She wanted blood. But I held her back.
“You hurt my wife!“}
“Honey, please,” Monica whispered, placing her hand on his chest, pretending to soothe him. “Don’t blame her. She’s just still hurting from her loss.”
“I didn’t push-“}
Monica whimpered and grabbed her stomach like she was in pain. “I… I’m still healing, honey. It hurts…”
Lucas clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth. “You. Luna. Just because you’re heartbroken doesn’t mean you can hurt my wife! No one stands with you, no one ever will! You know why? Because no one likes you. You’re a terrible person!“}
Monica smiled. That smug, satisfied smile.
“Honey, let’s go,” she sniffled, fake tears still in her lashes.
I stood there. No expression. No words. Just silence.
Lucas turned back once more. “If you hurt her again, I swear you’ll regret it. Just because you’re her sister and she’s kind to you doesn’t mean I’ll let you bully her.“>
And with that, they left.
I kept my face cold. Like nothing touched me. But slowly, my hand gripped my chest, and I laughed–broken, pained laughter–as tears blurred my eyes.
Who will stand with you?>
You’re right, Lucas. No one. And maybe I really didn’t care anymore.
I went back home. Two more days until what would’ve been our wedding anniversary. Two days until I left this cursed place for good.
Would I miss it? My wolf didn’t. She hated this pack. Only Elder Thomas had ever shown us kindness. The others? They only respected me because of my title.
I slipped into the forest, shifted into my brown wolf, and ran. As fast as I could. I remembered when Lucas and I used to race–he always let me win. I thought it was love.”
Eventually, I reached the river. The one with the altar in the middle–the place where mates made their sacred bond under the full moon. Our names were carved on a stone behind that altar.
Lucas brought me here a week after our wedding. It was a blue moon, magical. Mates swore their love. I thought he meant every word.
He carved our names himself, swore to be mine forever, held my hands as we made our vows.
“Elira, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ll always be by your side. I love you.“}
Back then, I believed him. His kiss felt so real.
But he was just acting. Playing me like a fool. And I fell for it.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I finally let myself break. No more holding it in.”
I picked up the stone with our names–and shattered it.
Just like you shattered me, Lucas. Only I didn’t break in half. I shattered into pieces.
All these years… you were laughing behind my back, enjoying the show while I believed your lies.
For the next two days, I visited every place we had memories in–and erased them all. Burned them, trashed them, destroyed everything.
On the day of our wedding anniversary, while the Blackthorn and Nightshade packs gathered to celebrate, I was already gone. I didn’t even say goodbye to Elder Thomas.”
I dragged my luggage through the airport, smiling.”
For the first time in a long time, I felt free. Really free. Happy.”
My phone pinged.
Delivery successful.
I closed the message.
That was my parting gift to Lucas. To all of them. Especially Monica.
