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 I’d 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. They’re 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 can’t exactly cross state lines quietly. Drake… he won’t 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. He’d know the moment you stepped a foot outside the glass house gates.”

I swallowed hard. “Then… I’ll 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,” Drake’s voice trembled as he buried his head in my shoulder. “Thank God! Thank God you’re alive. If anything had happened to you… I wouldn’t even want to live. I… I can’t—”

I froze, my mind screaming at me to push him off, to run, but I couldn’t.

“Luna, the fire. Are you okay?” Kieran’s voice cut in, tense and urgent. “Alpha went in after you. You couldn’t see, and he insisted on risking himself. That chandelier—if it fell, it would have—”

“Kieran, stop!” Drake growled, a low rumble that made my chest ache. “She’s safe. That’s all that matters. I don’t care about the chandelier, I don’t 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 he’d risk his life for me when he’d 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 partner’s 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? Didn’t I say I’d come tonight to stay with you and the pups? I wanted to be here with you, to make sure you were safe.”

Chiara’s 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 I’ve done to Chloe. I… I know I’ve wronged her, and I wanted to help her.”

Drake shook his head slowly, almost like he was in pain. “No. No, Chiara. You haven’t wronged her. I’ve 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 wasn’t fair and I hid the truth from Chloe, from both of you, because I… because I couldn’t face the consequences.”

He pressed his forehead to hers, whispered, “I couldn’t let her know, and I couldn’t let you leave. I thought, I thought I was protecting everyone, but I was just protecting myself. And now…”

Chiara’s lips moved again in sign language. “Drake… I only ever wanted to make this right. To protect the baby, to protect her. You’re the one who carried this all alone.”

He kissed her, soft but agonized, eyes almost overflowing with something I couldn’t name. Then he signed again. “I’ve 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 we’d 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 didn’t understand.

He kissed my belly, soft, warm, and whispered, “Wife, there’s an emergency at the pack. Just wait for me, okay? I’ll 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 Chiara’s belly, the same way he had touched mine. The same way he’d whispered to me, the same way he’d promised he’d 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, I’ve been tied up with the pack. I hired a nutritionist to make sure you’re taken care of while I’m 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. Didn’t correct her, didn’t 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, “It’s cold out. Come on, let’s 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 he’d been waiting to do it forever.

That evening...

I watched him in the kitchen, always careful, thoughtful. He’d serve me my soup, gently, like he’d done a thousand times before. But then he’d turn and wipe sauce from Chiara’s lips, smiling down at her, laughing warmly, as if she was everything he’d 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 couldn’t cry. I wanted to. I tried to. But I couldn’t. 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 he’d given her. He’d 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 couldn’t make it today, so I came instead. I reviewed her records, and honestly… if she keeps taking the proper treatment, there’s 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 don’t think you understand. This is a good thing. She can recover, she can—”

Drake cut him off, his voice colder now. “Didn’t Peterson tell you? For the past five years, I’ve only had him prescribe the most basic tonics. Nothing more.”

The doctor went quiet. “You mean… you’ve been holding back her treatment on purpose? Alpha, that’s… that’s 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 mate’s life should come first,” the doctor insisted. “You can’t just keep her in the dark because it’s convenient for you.”

“It’s not convenient. It’s balanced.” Drake’s voice dropped, dangerous now. “I’m keeping things stable. I’m protecting both of them. You don’t get to question that.”

My hand tightened around my ring. My fingers shook.

So this whole time… he knew. He knew I could’ve 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 didn’t even realize I’d forced the ring off until pain shot through my finger. Blood slipped down between my fingers, warm and sticky.

I ran. I didn’t even know where, just back to my room, my whole body shaking so hard I couldn’t 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… you’re amazing. You really are.” My stomach twisted, and I doubled over, gagging, bitter liquid rising in my throat. “You planned everything… didn’t 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 didn’t even turn around. I just gathered the torn pieces, white and lifeless now, and dumped them into the trash.

“It’s nothing,” I said, my voice dry, empty. “Just… a corrupted file. Didn’t 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,” Chiara’s voice came soft, gentle, like she belonged here more than I ever did.

He turned instantly. Just like that. Like I didn’t exist.

She walked in holding a bouquet of strong-scented white lilies, smiling shyly. “I brought these… I thought maybe she’d like them.”

Drake’s eyes softened right away. “You shouldn’t be walking around too much. What if something happens to you or the pup?”

“I’m 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 couldn’t stop them.

Drake frowned. “What’s wrong? Are you allergic? Why didn’t 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. “Don’t peek, okay? I prepared something special for you.”

I didn’t 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 hadn’t even been cleaned properly. The vegetables were burnt black, like they’d 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 can’t really see, right? I didn’t 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. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Chloe won’t mind something like this. She’s not that sensitive.”

Not that sensitive.

Chiara lowered her head, her fingers trembling as she signed back. “Why does it feel like I can’t do anything right? I just wanted to do something nice for her, but I kept messing up… I’m useless.”

Drake shook his head, his expression soft, almost pained. “You’re not useless. Stop saying that. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. You don’t 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. Don’t just stand there. She worked hard on it. At least try a bite, okay?”

I didn’t 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? It’s your birthday, isn’t it?”

“No. It’s not.”

There was a pause.

“It’s the day our son died,” I said. “The day the snow buried everything. The day you didn’t come back.”

His face changed. Just for a second. Regret, maybe. Or guilt. I couldn’t tell anymore.

“And… I’m allergic to mango,” I added, looking at the cake he was still holding out to me.

“Wife, I…” he started, “I didn’t know. I thought—”

“You didn’t think,” I cut in softly. “You just forgot.”

He stepped closer. “Chloe, wait. Don’t go like this. Let’s just talk, alright? You’re upset, I get it, but don’t shut me out.”

I shook my head and turned away. “I’m not upset. I’m just… done talking.”

I walked away, ignoring him calling after me, ignoring Chiara’s 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 didn’t 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. “You’re awake.”

I didn’t 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. I’m not hungry.”

His hand stayed in the air for a second before dropping. He sighed. “Don’t lie to me. You’re still angry, aren’t you?”

I didn’t respond.

He leaned forward a bit. “After I finish this busy period, I’ll take you out. There’s 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 don’t want to,” I said quietly.

He didn’t listen. Of course he didn’t.

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 didn’t notice. Or maybe he did, and just didn’t 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, “don’t push yourself too hard. You and the pup… you’re 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, don’t tell me…

I forced my voice to stay steady. “Drake… I don’t feel good. Can we just go back? Please… I don’t want to stay here.”

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

Now…

He frowned, like I was being difficult. “Chloe, don’t start this again. She’s been preparing for a long time. Can’t you just stay and watch for a bit? Don’t ruin it.”

Don’t ruin it.

I swallowed, my throat tight. “I’m not trying to ruin anything. I just… I really don’t feel well. Can’t we leave after this? Or even now?”

He sighed, clearly annoyed. “You’re overthinking. Nothing’s going to happen. Just stand there and watch, alright? It’ll 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 didn’t answer. I couldn’t.

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, that’s 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. “That’s great. You’re 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 wasn’t 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 didn’t. 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 couldn’t 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.