Damien's parents, the coven's former Lord and Consort, glared at me with open hostility.

Lucien was sobbing uncontrollably beside them.

" No! She's mean! I want Mommy! I don't want her in our coven!"

"I want Mommy! I want my real Mommy!"

Vivienne leaned weakly against Damien, her wet clothes clinging dramatically.

"I'm sorry... I just told Serena I'd agreed to stand in for her at the blood oath ceremony. I never thought she'd react like this..."

"Don't blame her, Damien. She's been through so much..."

I lay awkwardly on the deck, a bitter smile twisting my scarred lips.

"Damien, don't I deserve an explanation? The fire, my bloodline power's destruction, the child - was any of it real?"

Damien's brow furrowed, but I caught the flash of panic in his eyes.

"What are you talking about? The fire was a tragic accident. Vivienne's just trying to help by taking your place in the ceremony."

"She's being kind, and you attack her? What's happened to you, Serena?"

"Apologize to Vivienne. Now."

Before I could speak, the coven elders stepped forward.

"Worthless Thrall, you dare cause trouble? You think you're still worthy of being a High Blood's mate?"

"Who else would take a powerless wretch except our son's charity?"

"Enough! Let this be her punishment for her arrogance. Get Vivienne to Elara, make sure she's not injured."

Damien gathered Vivienne in one arm, took Lucien's hand with the other.

They walked away as a family, leaving me broken on the ground.

Five years of love turned to ash in my mouth.

I pulled myself back into the room, my burns screaming in protest.

I booked a seat on the next night flight leaving coven territory for the day of the blood oath ceremony.

Checked into a hotel far from the coven’s territory.

That night, Damien sent a message:

"Vivienne's still going to stand in for you at the ceremony. Your attack on her looks bad, so the apology was just for show. Don't overthink it. The elders were just upset - I'll make them apologize after everything's done."

"Rest well. I have a surprise coming for the ceremony. You'll love it, I promise."

But I understood now.

The performance wasn't for Vivienne's benefit.

It had all been for me.

He'd played the devoted mate for five years.

Now it was time for the final act.

I stayed away from the manor for the next two days.

Damien didn't return either.

He was too busy preparing for the blood oath ceremony.

Insisting on overseeing every detail personally.

The morning of the ceremony, I called him one last time.

He was preoccupied with Gideon, barely acknowledging my call.

"My Lord, are you certain about transferring half the coven’s territories to Vivienne? She's not born in our coven. It's risky to give an outsider so much power."

"Do as I say. That half is compensation I promised her. The other half is for Lucien's inheritance."

"And handle the ceremony guests yourself. Watch for any trouble from Serena's old coven."

Only after Gideon left did Damien remember the open phone line.

"Serena? Sorry for the wait. The ceremony's about to begin. I'll come back to you as soon as it's done. Don't be upset."

I stared at the flight reservation in my hand, keeping my voice carefully neutral.

"Don't worry about it. I won't keep you."

"Damien... congratulations on your blood oath."

He paused for a moment, then laughed.

"You mean our blood oath. Be a good girl and wait for me at home."

As the call ended, the confirmation of my Blood Ledger deletion came through.

I messaged Isolde: “The fake hunter attack can begin.”

Then, I erased every trace of him from my life.

Phone numbers.

Photos.

Messages.

Then I walked onto the plane.