The following day, after the anniversary dinner that had only served to deepen the rift between them, Andros attempted to explain his actions to Celes. He told her about Reign’s importance as the heir and the responsibilities he bore as Beta.

Reign, he reminded her, was the next in line to lead the pack. As Beta, Andros's responsibilities extended to ensuring the well-being of the Alpha’s family. He insisted that he could never forgive himself if anything happened to Reign. This explanation was meant to calm Celes, but it only served as a stark reminder of the divides in their priorities and the betrayal she felt. It was clear that his devotion to Szarina and her child took precedence over their own troubled marriage.

In an attempt to soothe her further, Andros reminded her that the first Full Moon of the Lunar Month was approaching—a significant event for the entire pack. Preparations were underway, a fact that had slipped Celes’s mind amidst her immersion in her studies.

"You know, Celes, I was thinking… since everyone will be busy celebrating, how about we take some time for ourselves? I remember how much you’ve always loved watching fireworks. How about we find a quiet spot, just the two of us, and enjoy them together?”

"Fireworks?"

"Yes. Let’s make a little escape from the festivities and enjoy the fireworks like old times.”

Celes nodded. "I'll be there."

But as the Full Moon drew near, an emergency arose. Celes was informed that Old Sage had been urgently escorted to a neighboring village to treat a wound sustained by the Alpha's father. Without hesitation, she gathered what supplies she could and hurried to join him. She could not even inform Andros, as he was so busy with the security parameters and she did not have time to find where he was.

Upon arriving at the neighboring pack, Celes found Old Sage deep in the midst of an intricate procedure, assisted by a young man who looked a little annoyed for his job.

And the scene before her was one of seamless coordination and expertise. They moved in perfect harmony, their communication fluid and efficient, often in a language she could not understand. The sight froze her in place, making her feel like an outsider in a world she was just beginning to comprehend.

After the procedure was successfully completed, Old Sage turned to her with an unexpected announcement.

“As you know, this will be my last procedure before my retirement.”

Celes turned at him shock. “Retirement?”

“It is time for a new generation to take over. I have decided that you, Celes will be assisting my son from now on.”

“Your son?"

He was his son? How come I haven't seen him before?

"But… I didn’t know you had one.”

“Larkin has been studying and preparing for this role. It is his time to step up, and you will be his apprentice.”

Larkin tried to hide his astonishment. "This is quite sudden, Father. Is there no room for discussion?”

“My decision is final, Lark. Celes has proven her abilities, and it is the right moment for this transition.”

Larkin's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her, a mix of skepticism and challenge in his gaze.

"I hope you're ready for this. Celestine, isnt it?" he said, his tone carrying an edge of authority. She straightened her back and nodded. "There’s a lot you need to learn, and I won’t go easy on you."

Celes met his gaze with determination. "I'm ready to learn," she replied, her voice steady. "I won’t let you or Sage down."

As they left the neighboring pack, Celes couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Working with Larkin would undoubtedly be challenging, but it was also an opportunity to prove herself and grow as a healer. She was determined to make the most of it.

Back at the Crimson Moon Pack, the celebration for the Full Moon celebration were in full swing, though it would soon end. Larkin initiated to walk her home, but she declined, thinking that Andros might see them. Celes decided that she would stay longer to enjoy the last minute show, the highlight of this event, before going home.

"This should have been my last firework with him," she muttered to herself.

Until the final fireworks exploded in the sky. And as she stood beneath the night sky, Celes surrender all the love that was left in her heart along with the fading echoes of the fireworks.

When she was on their home, Celes felt an overwhelming weariness despite not having been physically active during the entire procedure. As she arrived, her eyes fell upon Andros waiting for her, and to her surprise, Szarina was with him.

The sight of Szarina brought back a flood of emotions for Celes. She had not yet moved past the sting of Andros leaving her to tend to Szarina and her son, and now, here Szarina was again. Celes recalled the hurt she felt upon seeing the photos of Andros and Szarina together during the Lunar Month, which Andros' mother had continuously shared in their family group chat. These pictures, filled with moments of Szarina and Andros enjoying the pack’s festivities like some power couple, had been a painful reminder of her exclusion from their family.

Throughout the Lunar Month event, Szarina had been at the center of every activity, enjoying her role as the pack's Luna. In one particularly stinging video, Andros had carried Szarina in his arms, eliciting cheers and comments from the pack members who declared them a perfect match. They indeed looked too perfect for each other, she could not even deny. It was only stopped when Ales finally commented, "Delete these, Mother, before Cel sees this."

But it was too late; she had already seen everything.

Now, back in the present, Andros could sense her disappointment. He began to explain his actions during the Lunar event, claiming he had only taken Szarina out because she was bored and needed company. She was still the Luna, and he felt it was his duty to keep her entertained. His explanations were filled with justifications, but they only deepened Celes’s sense of betrayal.

"Celes, believe me."

Andros's hand brushed against hers as he tried to force her gaze to meet his. Desperation filled his eyes as he asked if she really didn't care, or if she was just pretending to be okay out of spite. He promised it wouldn't happen again, vowing to keep his distance from Szarina from now on. His words and actions revealed that he understood the boundaries he should have maintained as a married man, yet he had repeatedly failed to honor them. His deception and lies had eroded the trust between them.

Despite his plea, Celes felt a cold realization settle in her heart: Andros no longer mattered to her. The decision had already been made; she would be leaving soon. The anger and hurt seemed distant and muted, overshadowed by a sense of finality.

"Okay, I believe you," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion, almost mechanical. The words were a formality, a step towards the inevitable end of their relationship.

Szarina, sensing the tension, excused herself and left. Celes watched her go, the sight of her retreating figure a bittersweet reminder of what had been lost. Andros tried to draw her into conversation, but Celes’s responses were curt and detached. She could see the frustration building in him, but she no longer had the energy to care.

Over the next few days, Celes focused on her training with Larkin. The work was demanding, but it provided her with a much-needed escape from the turmoil at home. Larkin's strict and no-nonsense approach kept her grounded, and she found solace in the routine of their work.

One evening, as they were wrapping up a particularly intense session, Larkin paused and looked at her intently.

"You've improved a lot, Celestine," he said, his tone unusually gentle. "Father made the right choice in choosing you as his apprentice."

Celes felt a warmth spread through her at his words.

"Thank you, Larkin," she replied, her voice soft. "I’m grateful for the opportunity."

Larkin nodded, his expression serious. "I know things are difficult, regardless if it's home or work. If you ever need anything, or if you just need to talk, I’m here."

The unexpected offer of support touched Celes deeply. Her first impression of him was bad, but guess she was wrong.

"Thank you," she said again, her voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me."

As she left the healer's quarters that night, Celes felt a renewed sense of determination. She would continue to grow and learn, to become the healer she had always dreamed of being. Andros's betrayal and their crumbling marriage were painful, but they no longer defined her. She was more than her relationship, more than the hurt and disappointment. She was Celestine, the healer, and she would forge her own path forward.

Back at home, Andros was waiting for her, his expression wary. "We need to talk," he said, his voice tense.

Celes nodded, bracing herself for yet another confrontation. "Yes, we do."

They sat down at the kitchen table, the air between them thick with unresolved tension. Andros took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on hers.

"I’ve been thinking a lot about us, about everything that’s happened. I know I’ve made mistakes, and you've been disappointed. I’m truly sorry. But I want to make things right."