I freeze. The last time I heard that voice, he made it very clear he didn’t like me.
“Alpha,” Nolie utters, bowing her head with visible fear.
I already know why he’s here.
“Look at me when I address you,” he commands from behind me.
Every word he said to me that night rushes back like a flood.
Slowly, I turn around–and standing there is Theron’s father.
“Theron can’t handle his own fights now?” I quip, though inside, his stare has me trembling with fear.
“Aurelia!” Nolie gasps, clearly appalled by my words.
Right then, I genuinely fear she might collapse from the shock.
“Leave us,” he says with a low growl, briefly glancing at Nolie. He’s never addressed her like that before, which tells me things are serious.
“Alpha,” I say, bowing respectfully.
“I overheard your conversation with Selene. Keep your distance from her.” His voice carries the weight of the alpha command. Even though I’don’t have a wolf and it doesn’t affect me the way it does others,
I can still sense it.
“Does she even know?” I ask, unable to hide the edge in my voice. “Is she aware that you’re all just using her? That when you’re done, she’ll be tossed aside like she’s nothing?”
A smirk curls on his lips, and I see amusement flicker in his eyes.
“So that’s what my foolish son’s been telling you?”
His laugh chills me to the bone.
“You clearly don’t get it. Theron made his choice. He’ll bond with her, mark her as his mate, and she’ll give him an heir. As for you–you’re nothing but a temporary fix. A way to settle his wolf so it doesn’t spiral without its true mate.”
He gives me a once–over, sizing me up. “Hmph, looks like you’re at least good for something.”
The more he talks, the more my admiration for him dies, replaced by a deep, burning hatred. I never thought I could detest the man I once looked up to–but here I am, living proof.
I
“You’re lying! He told me he wanted me beside him! He marked me!” I shout, but he doesn’t flinch. He just laughs again.
“Cling to whatever fantasy you need. I only came here with one message. Keep your distance from Selene.” He emphasizes each word, jabbing the air with his finger. “If you mess this up–for him, for the pack–I’ll break your neck without a second thought.”
The loathing in his eyes is unmistakable. I never imagined he could look at me that way. But honestly?
I feel the same.
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He means nothing to me anymore. If he were dead right now, I wouldn’t even blink. I watch him leave the kitchen, and somehow I feel even more exhausted than I did back in the infirmary.
Nolie walks in once she’s sure he’s gone.
“Why do you always have to push it with your mouth?” she asks, on the verge of tears.
“It’s okay, Mom,” I try to reassure her.
“No, it’s not okay! The Alpha threatened to kill you! Do you really think he’s bluffing about that? You need to be careful–I can’t lose you,” she finishes softly, pulling me into a tight hug. “You’re all I’ve got.”
I wrap my arms around her just as tightly, holding on like she’s all I’ve got too.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” I say softly.
I apologize because deep down, I know I’ll be leaving her eventually. The thought alone is unbearable. I can’t stand the idea of watching the man I love in the arms of someone else.
My heart feels like it’s shattering, and I need to distance myself before I completely break down. “I never meant to cause you so much hurt.”
I go about my routine, hoping to find some peace. But it feels like fate–or the goddess herself–isn’t done punishing me. No matter where I turn, I keep running into them. Together.
Every time Theron sees me, his gaze lingers just a moment too long. That alone is enough to push me closer to the edge.
I throw myself into the usual pack duties, attend school like normal, then head home. I barely acknowledge Joy at school–I’m not in the mood for conversation. The truth is, I’m completely alone.
The other wolves eye me with a mix of sympathy and judgment. I overhear the gossip–rumors that they’ll seal their bond soon.
Some accuse me of fabricating everything just to get attention. They say he is never really mine. Others claim I’m deluded, insisting Theron is always out of my league.
It cuts deep.
The moment I step inside the house, I collapse onto the floor. I’m exhausted–physically, emotionally, in every way. I can’t face another day like this. Death feels like a kinder alternative.
A feverish warmth rises in me.
“Perfect,” I mutter, staring up at the ceiling. “Why not just let me die already? Haven’t I suffered enough? Why does he get to walk free while I’m stuck in this torment? Just end it!”
I cry out into the silence, hoping someone–anyone–is listening. But no answer comes. I’m still here, still breathing. And the pain only worsens.
A burning sensation coils deep inside me. I get on my hands and knees, dragging myself to the bathroom. I twist the faucet on full blast, filling the tub, then plunge into the water.
The heat dulls slightly, but the agony remains, sharp and unrelenting.
“You can’t survive this,” I whisper to my reflection, barely recognizing myself. “It’s time to let go, Ria.”
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< Chapter
Finally, I stop resisting the pain. If this is how it ends, then I accept it. A faint smile touches my lips, even as I feel like I’m being torn apart from within.
I close my eyes, surrendering to the darkness.
A sharp gasp escapes me as my eyes snap open. I glance around in confusion–I’m… somewhere unfamiliar.
The place is stunning. Surreal, even. “So this is what it’s like to die,” I murmur, a faint smile spreading across my face. It’s peaceful. It’s… Words fail me.
“Not quite,” comes a deep, gentle voice from behind.
It doesn’t frighten me or send chills down my spine.
There’s a calmness in it that soothes me. I turn to see who’s speaking–and what I see leaves me speechless.
His hair flows long and white, and though his features carry a softness that could be mistaken for femininity, it’s still clear he is a man. He’s dressed in a flowing garment that drapes from his arms down to his legs, resembling a robe. His complexion is pale–though not in a way that suggests illness. The only word that fits, imperfectly, is beautiful. A kind of beauty that feels too flawless to be real.
“Finished staring yet?” he asks, smirking as his curious gaze meets mine.
“I–I’m sorry,” I mutter, bowing my head, my eyes settling on the grass at my feet. Even the grass a ppears more vibrant than it should.
“You’re standing quite close,” he says, stepping forward until there’s only about two feet between us.
“What?” I blink at him, confused. “I don’t get it.”
“I’m Thalric,” he says, offering a theatrical bow.
“Why am I here?” I glance around. “Am I dead? Is this some kind of afterlife? Are you the moon goddess–or god?”
He laughs, shaking his head. His laugh sounds like a melody, smooth and enchanting.
“No, you’re very much alive. I brought you here because your body needs to recover. I want to avoid any problems.”
I stare at him, still lost. “Who exactly are you?”
“Come on, we should go. You’ll be waking up soon,” he replies, completely ignoring my question.
“But I-“I begin, only to find myself suddenly back in my bathroom, submerged in the tub. The water clings to my skin, and I shiver. A warm sensation lingers, like being wrapped in a comforting blanket, but it gradually fades.
“What the hell just happened?” I whisper, dazed and more confused than ever.
I climb out of the bathtub, my body feeling more energized than it ever has.
The bathroom door slams open and Theron stands there, his eyes flashing gold when he sees me.
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<Chapter 9
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There I am, drenched, my soaked clothes clinging tightly to every curve, turning nearly transparent under the water’s touch.
“I felt a magical presence here,” he says quickly, trying to compose his expression.
I stare at him like he’s lost his mind. “What are you talking about?” I know full well the risks of using magic–most supernatural beings have outlawed it. I shouldn’t even be capable of accessing it.
“Don’t act clueless, Ria. Are you-”
“No! Seriously? I can’t believe you’d even think that!” I cut him off, furious.
He studies me carefully, like he’s trying to read my thoughts and see if I’m lying.
Eventually, he nods.
“Dinner’s ready,” he says, turning to leave. He leaves the door open, but I hear the sound of another door slamming shut behind him.
Dinner is no different than usual. I hear whispers around me–accusations of being an attention- seeker, comparisons to Selene, who sits beside him looking flawless. The food feels like chewing on sand. I can’t take it anymore. It’s like all the kind people who once cheered for my relationship have vanished.
I inhale deeply. I’ve made up my mind. I’m leaving at midnight.
