Thirteen
C
My brow arched. Cold. Unbothered.N
“I’m sorry for lying to you,” Lucas said, his voice cracking like he could barely hold himself together. “I thought I loved Monica. Marrying you… it was for the pack. I didn’t think I could ever love you.“N
He let out a deep sigh, eyes glistening with tears as he looked at me.N
I stared back, my face blank. Empty.N
“But I ignored what I really felt for you because I was convinced I loved her. But when you left… that’s when I realized–it was always you.“M
Love me?
My wolf scoffed, laughing like this was some twisted joke.N
Still, I let him speak.N
“I did you wrong, Daining. I know I did. I’m here asking for forgiveness. Five years… that’s how long it took me to realize I love you. Monica wasn’t who I thought she was–she twisted everything, fed me lies about you. I thought-“}
“Does that change what you’ve done?” I cut in, voice sharp.M
If I was still the old me, maybe his words would’ve made me crumble. Maybe I would’ve believed him. But now? His words meant nothing.N
“No. It doesn’t,” he whispered, shame and guilt flickering in his eyes. “Faking my death… I know I broke you. I was a selfish, heartless bastard. I’ve regretted it every day since you left. I’ve begged the Moon Goddess for forgiveness. I meant it, Elira.“W
“You know it won’t fix anything. So why are you here, Lucas? You think words can sway me? I’m not coming back to you,” I said, cold as frost. My words hit him like lightning. “You chose Monica. You can keep her. If it’s divorce you want, I’ll give it.“M
He stood up fast. “That’s not what I want! I never wanted Monica. I never wanted a divorce! We’re still married, Elira. And it’s you. It’s always been you.”
He moved closer, trying to look pitiful, like that would work on me. “Remember the lake? The stone? The moon? Our promise? You said we’d stay together no matter what came between us. Have you really forgotten all that?“N
He stopped right in front of me, looking into my eyes–searching for something that just wasn’t there anymore. N
“I remember,” I said flatly. “And I remember the day you faked your death. You died to me that day. Every promise you made… you broke it.“N
His eyes widened. Panic started to creep in.N
“You’re still the Luna. The pack needs you. Don’t you miss them?“N
“I didn’t even think about them,” I snapped. The words cut him like a blade. He staggered back slightly, raking a trembling hand through his hair, blinking away tears.N
“Elira… if punishing me makes you feel better, then do it. Just come back. The pack misses you. I miss you. Father misses you,” he said, voice shaking. His lips quivered when I stood up and met his eyes.N
“I’m not coming back. Not for you. Not for the pack. We’re over, Lucas. That fetus was the last nail in the coffin. I want nothing to do with you.” My voice was steel. “Now leave.“N
I turned to go–but he grabbed my wrist, desperate.N
“Please. Just give me a chance. Let me make things right. I can’t live with you hating me. I still love you. I only love you.”N
His voice cracked. I knew he was crying–hurting, broken. Lucas Blackthorn was crying. The same cold, proud man who never bent for anyone. And now he was begging.
I yanked my wrist from his grip. “If I was still her, maybe. But now? I see what we had for what it really was–lies. A whole relationship built on your deception.”
I stepped back and crossed my arms. “You shouldn’t have come here. If you don’t leave, I’ll call the guards. You don’t want to destroy your precious pack, right?“”
He wiped his tears, forcing a sad smile. “I won’t stop, Elira. Not until you forgive me. Not until you’re not angry anymore.“N
“Even if the ocean dried up, Lucas… I’d still never forgive you.“N
He flinched like I’d slapped him. The weight of silence wrapped around us as he stood there, still hoping I’d change my mind.
But I didn’t.
He finally turned toward the door. Just before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder. “Father’s in critical condition. He nearly died in a rogue attack while trying to find you. He thought you’d come back… worried where you’d been all these years. When someone told him where you were, he followed the trail–and nearly died because of it. You should visit him.”
