Just then, my wolf, Catherine, spoke in my mind. "You should give Kade one more chance. I still think he loves you."

"You’re damn right he does!" I shot back, my own stubborn hope flaring up again. He had to.

Catherine pushed. "It’s time. Use the secret weapon you’ve been preparing! On his birthday! It will be a decisive move."

I thought of the sleepless nights, the secret efforts. I’d spent weeks secretly gathering rare herbs and moon-touched stones under the full moon, using my strength to weave them into a protective talisman for him. It wasn't much, but it was all I had—a piece of my soul offered to keep him safe.

"This talisman is my masterpiece!" I told my wolf, pride mixing with desperation. No one had ever gotten something like this from me. No one.

On his birthday, I put on the dress he loved seeing me in most and waited for him in my room. But as the day dragged into night, the candles I lit burned down to stubs. He never came. A servant informed me that the Alpha still hadn't returned to the compound, and he hadn't told anyone where he was going.

At 2 a.m., my phone buzzed with a news alert.

Northern Pack Alpha Spotted Escorting Childhood Sweetheart Back to Hotel

The photo was crystal clear. There was Kade, his tall frame protecting a delicate girl in a white dress as he helped her out of his car. The tenderness on his face cut deeper than any claw.

The comments broke me.

“OMG! The powerful Alpha and his fragile white lily! I SHIP IT!” “Holy—! Isn’t that Kade and Sara? They were the golden couple at our university!” “Can confirm! Kade was ice to everyone but her! They’d be married by now if she hadn’t gotten hurt…”

My phone fell from my fingers, hitting on the floor.

I couldn’t breathe. If she was the one he had always loved, then what was I? Just a convenient body? A bedwarmer he could call whenever he wanted?

With trembling hands, I called him. It went straight to voicemail. I called again. And again. On the last try, I didn’t even cry. I just felt…utterly hollowed out with despair.

I ended the call and walked to the place he’d always forbidden me from entering: his private war room, the sanctum where only his most trusted Betas were allowed.

The door was unlocked.

I pushed it open, and what I saw inside shattered whatever was left of my heart.

The room wasn’t a cold strategic center. It was a gallery of her.

Dozens of photos covered the walls—Kade and Sara laughing on a university lawn, hiking in the mountains, dressed for a formal dance. In the center of his desk, in a simple frame, was a recent photo of her, asleep and peaceful.

He had built a shrine to another woman in his heart.

I stood there, frozen, the talisman I made for him feeling like a stupid, pathetic joke in my hand.

A sudden, sharp laugh let out from my lips. With a furious cry, I threw the talisman down and spread my rage on the entire room, tearing photos from the walls and sweeping everything off his desk.

The next day, Kade returned. He discovered the wreckage of his precious sanctuary with calm. He just sighed and called for a servant to clean it up.

He didn’t even look at me, as if my explosive temper was exactly what he expected from someone like me.

I stood there, watching a maid swept the talisman—my soul, my hopes, my sleepless nights—into a dustpan with the rest of the trash.

He didn’t know what it was. He didn’t know I had wanted to spend my life with him. And he would never know that the moment the talisman was swept away with the garbage, I decided I was done loving him.

I walked back to my room like a ghost. "Fine, Kade," I whispered to the empty air. "You want to be heartless? Then I can play that game too." I picked up the speaking stone. My message to the South was short. "I'm considering your offer. What can you offer me?"

The response was immediate and startlingly personal. " Great to know that. We hear you have a passion for weaving. We have prepared an entire wing filled with the finest silks, rare fabrics, and looms from across the continents, waiting for your touch. You can weave to your heart's content. Our entire pack is looking forward to your creations, including our Alpha."

Well, that's...actually appreciated, I thought. This is starting to sound like a decent deal. It was surprising they had put in so much effort to learn about my interests. That alone made them ten thousand times more considerate than Kade had ever been.

"And, for the ritual to work," the voice continued, "you need to arrive in the South within seven days."

Seven days.

I carved the number into my mind. Seven days. A countdown to a new life, or a different kind of end. I looked around my room, and realized there was truly nothing left here worth staying for. The path ahead was uncertain, but this time, it was mine to choose.

I had zero interest in attending the Frostfang Pack's annual ball. My bags were half-packed for the South, my heart was a closed-off vault, and the last thing I wanted was to watch Kade play the doting Alpha to his precious Sara. But then I heard he’d personally invited her. A competitive fire I thought I’d extinguished roared back to life. If I was leaving in a week, I might as well give them one last spectacular show.

The night of the ball, I pulled out all the stops. I wore the most expensive, jaw-droppingly gorgeous dress I owned. I did my makeup with meticulous care, ensuring I looked nothing less than flawless.

The grand hall was filled with the elite of the northern packs. I moved through the crowd, a vision of cool indifference, but inside, I was scanning for him. I waited and waited, but Kade was nowhere to be seen. Finally, the music softened for the host's welcome. And then I saw them.

There, at the top of the staircase, was Kade, his arm gently supporting Sara. She looked delicate in a sparkling, undoubtedly couture gown. A hush fell over the crowd as everyone turned to stare.

I heard a woman next to me sigh. "What a perfect match. They look like they stepped out of a fairy tale." Her companion nodded. "Absolutely. Look at that dress! Kade must have spent a fortune. He clearly spares no expense for her."

The look on Kade’s face as he gazed down at her was so gentle that it felt like a physical blow. He had never, ever looked at me like that.

Kade led her down to the center of the dance floor. "Welcome, everyone," his voice, strong and confident, echoed through the hall. "Enjoy the evening." His eyes then found Sara’s, and they shared a small, intimate smile that felt like a private atmosphere from which I was permanently prohibited.

I couldn't watch anymore. I turned and fled to the ladies' lounge, seeking refuge in the cool, quiet space.

I stared at my own reflection in the mirror—beautiful, polished, and utterly miserable. My wolf, Catherine, surged forward in my mind. "I told you not to come to this stupid ball! What were you hoping for?"

"You're right," I admitted, the fight draining out of me. "Some stupid, pathetic part of me was still hoping." I slammed my fist against the cool marble countertop, the sharp jolt of pain snapping me back to my senses.

I took a few deep breaths, fixed my smudged eyeliner, and walked out, my head held high. And of course, fate had a cruel sense of humor. Right there in the hallway was Sara.

"You must be Lila," she said, her voice sweet as syrup. "Kade talks about you all the time."

I offered a cold smirk and tried to brush past her, but she stepped into my path, deliberately holding up her wrist to show off a delicate bracelet set with a luminous moonstone.

"He gave me this tonight," she said, her eyes glinting with seeming innocence. "It's lovely, isn't it? He always was so thoughtful."

I felt my control snap. "Is that what you call it? Thoughtful? It must be exhausting, constantly having to be so fragile to keep his attention—"

"Lila." Kade's voice cut through the tension like a whip, followed by a low growl of Alpha command. He was suddenly there, his arm protectively around Sara's shoulders. He didn't even look at me.

"That's enough. There's no need to direct your rage at Sara."

The message was crystal clear. I was the problem. I was the one who needed to be managed. And Sara was the one who deserved his protection.

I couldn't stay another second. I left the ball and headed straight for a seedy dive bar, ordering the strongest whiskey they had.

I drank, one glass after another, losing all track of time. I don't know how long I sat there before I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I looked up slowly, my vision blurry, and saw a familiar, tall figure standing under the dim bar lights.

"What's the tantrum for this time?" he said, his tone one of weary familiarity.

He'd always said that. As an orphan taken in by his pack. I had a sharp tongue and a quick temper, which often led to clashes. Whenever I was upset, I'd run to a bar to drown my sorrows. And he would always come to find me and bring me home. So many times, I'd foolishly let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, he cared for me a little.

Now, thinking back— No one was more of a bastard than him! He didn't love me, yet he still slept with me. And after, he could just return to his sanctum and gaze lovingly at photos of Sara.

"Go away!" I yelled, my eyes red-rimmed, burying my face in my arms. Kade just frowned, said nothing, and threw me over his shoulder, carrying me back to the pack compound.

"Get yourself cleaned up," he said, undoing his cufflinks, his tone brooking no argument. "You're coming with me."

I stood at my bedroom door, biting my lip. "I'm only staying for a week. In one week, I'm leaving this place for good. This is the last time." "Leaving? For good?" Kade slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Do you really think you can do that?"

His words felt like a knife twisting in my chest. So he had seen right through me all along. He knew I was desperately in love with him. And him? He could have his precious childhood goddess in his heart while coldly watching me drown in my feelings for him?

I had meant to ask, "Do you love her?" but now it just felt ridiculous. Seeing how fiercely he protected her, was there even a need to ask? I thought, fine, one last time. One last time to say goodbye. And then we spent the night in a passionate tangle, a final bittersweet moment of stolen warmth.

The next day, I slept until noon on purpose, hoping to avoid him. But when I opened my eyes, he was still there. He was sitting on the sofa, reviewing documents.

"You're awake?" he said without looking up. "Aren't you going to the office?" "It's the weekend."

Then, Kade suddenly looked up. "Get changed. You're coming to a gathering with me later." I meant to refuse, but then I thought, what did I have to lose? One last look at the world I was leaving behind. So I changed and went with him.

He took me to a private, rowdy party at an exclusive club. And of course, Sara was there. It wasn't until we arrived that I realized it was Sara's birthday party. He had brought me here to help celebrate her.

I sat listlessly in a corner, nursing a drink, feeling completely out of place. Across the room, Kade and Sara were huddled close, whispering and laughing together, lost in their own private world.

The night devolved into drinking games. Then, the worst one started. "Kade!" someone yelled. "Time to choose! The screen will show you options—pick your ideal Luna!"

The large screen flashed through images of famous models, actresses, and then... Sara. And me. My photo was up there next to hers.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kade pointed directly at Sara's picture. The crowd whooped and cheered. Sara looked down, a shy, pleased smile gracing her lips.

That was the final blow. I stood up and walked out, the sounds of their celebration fading behind me.

In the dimly lit corridor, two drunk wolves stumbled into my path. "Well, hello there, little kitten," one slurred, reaching for me. "Looking lonely. Want to play with us?" "Get lost," I snarled. "Ooh, feisty. We like that," the other said, leering.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kade appear at the end of the hall. Our eyes met for a split second. I saw him take a step toward me, until a voice cut through the noise. "Kade?" Sara's voice called from behind him. "Oh, I think I twisted my ankle again. It really hurts."

His gaze switched away from me. "Let me see," he said, his voice instantly concerned.

Sara glanced over his shoulder at me. "Aren't you going to help Lila? She seems to be in trouble."

I heard his reply, cold and clear even from a distance. "She can handle herself."

A cold laugh bubbled up inside me. Of course. He was so sure of my strength only when it was convenient for him. Without hesitation, I grabbed an empty beer bottle from a nearby ledge, smashed it against the wall, and held the jagged end toward the two drunks, my eyes glowing with fury.

"You want to play?" I hissed. "Let's play."

Their drunken bravado vanished. They stammered apologies and scrambled away.

I dropped the broken bottle, my hand trembling not from fear, but from rage. I walked back to the Frostfang compound alone, the cold night air doing nothing to cool the fire in my veins.

Six days left.

I spent the next few hours not crying, but watching. I noted the patterns of the guards on patrol, the timing of their shifts, the blind spots in their coverage. My exit needed to be perfect. I would leave this place without a trace. My future was in the South.

Recently, the change in my behavior was obvious. Where I used to argue, question, or flash a smirk whenever Kade gave an order, I now simply nodded.

When he commanded me to attend a border patrol review—a task I would have normally jumped at the chance to argue about, snapping, 'Is this really a job for an Omega?'—I just looked at a point somewhere past his shoulder and said, “Yes, Alpha.” No eye roll, no sarcastic comment.

Kade noticed. I saw his brows draw together slightly as I turned to leave without another word. Later that day, I overheard him talking to his Beta near the training grounds. “She's become much more obedient lately,” he remarked. “It doesn't even feel like her anymore.” “Is that a bad thing?” the Beta replied. “Haven't you always wanted her to be more...settled?”

Fine. I was written off as "settled".

In my room, cluttered with possessions I once cherished, many of them gifts Kade had ordered for my quarters, I pulled a simple, sturdy bag I’d woven myself from under my bed, and began to pack my things.

I only took my mother’s wolf-tooth necklace, a few practical sets of clothing, a small pouch of silver coins I’d saved over the years. And of course, the speaking stone and the black credit chip from the South.

And I left everything else. The glittering jewels, the silken gowns, the exquisite custom timepiece—all of it went into a large wooden box. I picked up a particularly garish diamond necklace he’d given me during what I thought was the height of our passion. I could still remember the joy I felt receiving it. Now, it felt more like a payment than an expression of affection.

My wolf, Catherine, surfaced in my mind. "You're taking so little? You used to sleep with that diamond necklace!"

"You grow up and realize what truly matters doesn't take up much space," I replied coolly. "He can give this to his next favorite plaything." I dropped it into the box with the rest of the discarded items without a second glance.

A few days later, I volunteered for the kitchen’s supply run into the nearby town, which gave me a few precious hours of freedom. My basket was soon filled with herbs and roots, a perfect cover.

As I walked through the market streets, my eyes weren't on the stalls but on the best routes leading out of the territory and toward the northern border.

After walking for what felt like ages, I found a secret spot near the designated border area. Then I pulled the speaking stone from my pocket.

“The plan stands,” I said to the stone. “But I need a new condition. A private jet, waiting at the designated spot. On the northern border, due east of the Blackwater Creek, there’s a large, lightning-struck oak tree. Your pilot won’t be able to miss it.”

A deep, gravelly voice echoed back almost immediately. “Consider it done, your highness. All is prepared for your arrival. We are waiting for our Luna.” The title "Luna" used to make my heart flutter with a foolish hope. Now, it just felt like a job description. A better one than "convenient bedmate".

“See that you do,” I replied, cutting the connection immediately. This was a deal, not a reunion.

Back in my room at Frostfang, I went to the small calendar hidden in my drawer. I took a pen and crossed out another day. Five days. No anxiety. No second thoughts.

Perhaps my recent absences were noticeable; Kade often couldn't find me in my usual place. I used to make sure I was constantly seen by kade. That evening, Kade stopped me in the hallway outside his war room. He studied me for a moment. “What have you been busy with lately? I barely see you around.”

“I heard the kitchen was short-handed, so I've been helping out,” I answered smoothly, the lie ready on my lips.

“I didn't know you had an interest in kitchen work. You used to pride yourself on never getting your hands dirty.”

“People change,” I said, holding his gaze steadily.

Kade seemed to find nothing unusual in my answer. After a moment, he said, “There’s a gathering tomorrow night at the Silverwood Estate,” he stated. “The usual important figures. You haven't been to a party in a while. It might be good for you to go. Be ready by seven.”

In the past, I would have lit up at this. A chance to dress up, to be seen on his arm, to play the part I so desperately wanted. Now, I just met his gaze, my expression utterly flat.

“Of course, Alpha,” I said, my voice a agreeable tone. “I will have everything prepared precisely as you require.”

A strand of confusion passed behind his eyes. This wasn’t my pattern. Something about my answer felt off to him. He frowned, but unable to figure out what was wrong, finally just gave a short nod before walking away.

Perfect, I thought. Let him wonder. I turned and walked back to my room. I’d have everything prepared. I was going to give him a final performance he would never forget.