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.

The Silverwood Estate was dazzling, filled with the most influential figures from across the northern territories. The air hummed with polished conversation and the clinking of champagne flutes. I moved through the crowd beside Kade, surprised by the scale of the event.

It didn't take long to realize this was no simple gathering. It was an auction. The main hall was a spectacle of gold leaf and crystal chandeliers, with rows of plush seats facing a raised stage.

As Kade guided me into the VIP section, my eyes immediately landed on Sara, already seated in the front row, smiling as if she owned the place.

Of course, I thought. He brought me here to be part of the audience for his dear Sara.

I was about to turn and leave when Kade thrust a glossy auction catalog into my hands. “You’ve seemed down lately,” he said. “I remember you used to enjoy shopping. Thought this might lift your spirits.”

I was ready to shove the catalog back at him when a single image on one page made my blood boil. Mother’s feather brooch! The delicate silver wing, set with a single, moonstone dewdrop. Her most treasured possession, lost after the massacre.

My fingers clenched around the booklet, crumpling the page.

Item after item was presented: rare artworks, ancient artifacts, glittering jewels. I paid them no mind. Sara, however, bidding enthusiastically on several lots. "Kade must have given her a blank check," my wolf Catherine snarled in my mind. "What terrible taste she has."

Then, the auctioneer unveiled the next lot. The red velvet cloth was pulled away, and there it was. The feather brooch glimmered under the spotlight, a piece of my shattered past.

This was no longer a party. This was a mission. I sat up straight, my entire focus narrowing on that single piece of silver. It was coming home with me.

“You like it that much?” Kade’s low voice murmured near my ear.

I ignored him entirely and raised my paddle. “Six million.” A sweet, familiar voice cut in from our side. “Seven million.” Sara turned and gave me a smile. “I’m so sorry, Lila. I’ve just fallen in love with it. You don’t mind if we bid, do you? ”

My fist clenched tight. “Eight million.” “Nine million.” I did a mental calculation. The money from the South—one hundred million. That was my absolute limit. “One hundred million.” “Two hundred million.” My blood turned to ice. I was tapped out, but Sara continued bidding with effortless grace.

“Two hundred million, going once.” The auctioneer looked directly at me. “Miss Lila, any further bids?”

I swallowed hard. I never thought I’d beg this man for anything. “Yes,” I choked out the word, turning to grasp Kade’s sleeve. “Kade, lend me the money. Please. It’s...it was my mother’s. I need it.”

He stared at me, visibly stunned. He had never seen me, proud Lila, now so pleading. “I’m begging you,” I whispered, my eyes burning with tears.

Kade’s hand moved toward the inner pocket of his jacket, reaching for his black card—“Kade.” Sara’s hand shot out, clutching his arm. Her eyes were wide. “I…I really love this piece. It’s the first thing I’ve truly wanted in so long. Please, don’t help her. Please?”

The air grew heavy. I watched Kade, the man who had fought off entire packs, now caught in a silent war between two women.

After a moment of silence, he looked at Sara and said softly, “It’s yours.”

These words felt like shards of glass piercing my heart. The gavel fell. “Sold! To Miss Sara!”

A cold numbness spread through me. I watched as the brooch was handed to Sara, who shot me a look of pure triumph.

Kade was staring at me. At my red-rimmed, dry eyes. A kind of regret showed on his face.

“Kade…” Sara whimpered, leaning into him weakly. “My cramps are so bad...could you please find me a heated blanket?”

Kade was silent for a beat, then nodded. He stood up and walked away.

I was done. I sat frozen, the auction continuing in a blur of noise around me, my mind filled only with the image of my mother’s smile as she wore that brooch.

The second the event concluded, I marched over to Sara, cutting her off. “Sell me the brooch,” I said, my voice hoarse. “Name your price. Anything.”

Sara gave a light, tinkling laugh. “Anything? Really? What if I told you to get on your knees?”

I began to tremble. I heard my mother’s dying words: “My darling, no matter what, live with dignity.” But now, for a piece of her, I was ready to sacrifice it. “Fine,” I spat the word out.

My eyes filled with furious tears, I started to slowly lower myself— “Stop,” Sara laughed, waving a hand. “Kneeling is pointless.” “That ugly trinket? I had my assistant toss it in the trash the second I won it. I just wanted to see you beg.” She leaned in close, her voice a venomous whisper. “Your mother’s garbage belongs in the dump.”

“Say that again,” I whispered, my voice terrifyingly calm.

Sara smirked. “It’s with the rest of the kitchen waste. Didn’t you hear me?”

Before she could draw another breath, my hand shot out. I grabbed a small fruit knife from a nearby abandoned dessert plate and drove it straight into her shoulder.

A piercing scream ripped through the hall. Blood bloomed across her gown, spattering my dress like flowers.

Chaos erupted. People shrieked. I stood perfectly still. I looked around at the horrified faces, my red lips curling into a cold smile. “My apologies for the spectacle,” my voice cutting through the noise. “My mother died young. She didn’t have time to teach me manners. So I usually believe in settling my debts—”

I yanked the knife out, a fresh wave of blood following it. “—right here, and right now.”

As Sara wailed in pain, I simply dropped the bloody knife on the floor and turned to leave.

A strong hand seized my wrist at the entrance, spinning me around. It was Kade, a blanket draped over his arm, his face covered with fury. “Have you lost your mind?!” he yelled. “You attack someone over a piece of jewelry? What will you do next time she upsets you—kill her?”

I glared up at him, pain extended from my wrist. “Why don’t you ask her what she did? What she said about my mother’s brooch—” “I don’t care if she threw it in the damn ocean!” he roared, cutting me off. “That does not justify this!”

His words were the final blow. Tears streaming down my face. “Well, it’s done. So how does the great Alpha plan to ‘discipline’ me now?”

“It seems I can’t,” he said, his voice sounded like ice. “Guards! Take her to the containment cells. Charge her with deliberate assault. Three days’ solitary confinement.”

My head rose up with disbelief. He was sending me to the pack’s underground prison? For Sara?

I bit down on my lip so hard I tasted blood, but I refused to say another word. I let two guards take my arms. As they led me away, my last sight was of Kade gently lifting Sara into his arms, said, “I’ve got you. It’s okay.”

The heavy door of the detention block clanged shut behind me, sealing me in darkness.