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No Longer Loving You, Alpha!
NovelShort
Hoàn thành
My mate took another woman into his den. Not once. Not twice. But many times. He brought her into our territory, into my home. The sleeping stone, the hearth couch, even the kitchen altar. He said his...
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第1章
“Evander, when will you sever the mate-bond with her? You swore it to me under the moon.”
“Soon, my flame. She is still mourning our daughter who returned to the Moon Mother.”
That was how I learned the truth.
My mate.
The Alpha everyone feared.
The ruler of the Blackfang Territory, who once swore his life and soul to me, was sharing his heat with his beta’s sister.
The sleeping den.
The stone couch.
Even beside the offerings he prepared for our bond anniversary.
And when I faced him?
He looked at me calmly, as if nothing had shattered. He slid a bracelet carved with moon-diamonds onto my wrist and said softly, “Happy bond-day, my Luna.”
To the packs, Alpha Evander was flawless.
To me?
He was a traitor.
So I chose my path.
Thirteen nights. That was all I needed. When the Moon Council sealed my travel sigil, I would be gone.
“Ivara, you are my only true Luna.”
“If I ever betray you, may the Moon strike me down.”
Strange words, spoken while his fur still carried her scent.
Six moons later, he found me.
His eyes burned with rage. “Ivara! You are my bound mate! How could you lie with another?”
I only smiled—soft, sharp, unbroken.
“I was never owned by you. You only borrowed my soul until you crushed it.”
——
My mate took another woman into his den.
Not once. Not twice. But many times.
He brought her into our territory, into my home. The sleeping stone, the hearth couch, even the kitchen altar. He said his heart was mine, but his wolf chose otherwise.
I did not imagine it.
I heard it.
“Evander, when will you break the bond with her? You promised me.”
“Not yet, my flame. She is still grieving our daughter’s death.”
“How pitiful,” the woman replied lightly. “A Luna like her… no wonder fate was cruel. Don’t worry. I’ll give you a strong pup soon. I’ll carry your heir.”
“I expect nothing less.”
“Tell me honestly,” she asked. “Do you truly love her? Your Luna, Ivara?”
“Yes,” he said. “I love her.”
The Alpha of Blackfang Territory—the one whispered about across kingdoms, cold and merciless—still dared to speak of love while marking another woman.
Thirteen nights. That was all I required.
When the moon rose, I went to the Moon Council Hall and submitted my request.
“I wish to claim passage beyond the borders,” I said, placing my sigil scroll on the stone altar.
The Moon Scribe examined it, pressed her seal, and slid the token back.
“Your passage will be approved in thirteen nights, Luna. Wait for the moon’s blessing.”
I bowed and left.
Behind me, hushed voices followed.
“Did you hear? Luna Ivara requested passage.”
“She’s leaving Blackfang Territory?”
“But Alpha Evander treasures her more than anyone.”
“Seven years ago, their bond ceremony shook all the kingdoms. Three years ago, when she was nearly killed in that carriage fall, he gave her half his wolf-heart. Last year, when she vanished for an hour, he hunted the land mad with fear. And now… she’s leaving him?”
A quiet laugh escaped me. Empty. Cold.
Yes. Everyone knew how deeply Evander cherished me.
To the world, I was the only Luna he saw. He was ruthless to all others, feared even by rival Alphas. But to me, he was moonlight, jewels, and vows whispered in the dark.
I remembered how it began.
He saw me once at a gathering of packs and chose me. He sent enchanted gifts, rare beasts, even commanded a three-night moonfire display that lit the sky of every territory. When I once mentioned I liked chestnut cake, he crossed frozen lands through a blizzard to bring one to me. His cloak was stiff with ice, lips pale from cold, yet the cake was still warm when he placed it in my hands.
When my parents died in that ambush, he abandoned a kingdom alliance meeting and returned at once. I was shaking, empty, broken. He held me and whispered, “Ivara, I am here. I will never leave you.”
I believed him.
I gave him my heart. My wolf. My soul.
But love does not chain wolves like Evander.
Nine moons ago, temptation came—and he opened the den. His beta’s sister. He thought I would never know.
But lies rot.
We had just sent our two-year-old daughter back to the Moon Mother when I smelled it. Her scent on my couch. The broken stories. The truth.
I was finished.
Evander could charm the packs, rule the lands, and drown me in vows. But I would not stay.
I placed my moon-sealed papers into my satchel, summoned a carriage, and ordered it to take me to the Blackfang Estate.
The moment I entered the den, the air struck me. Sweet. Bitter. Heavy with scent. My stomach twisted.
Then I saw them.
Evander stood on a ladder, hanging silver runes for celebration. Beside him stood Adrielle Smith, smiling as if she already ruled the den.
The door closed behind me.
Evander froze, then descended slowly. In an instant, the feared Alpha vanished. His eyes softened. His voice warmed.
“Ivara, my Luna… why are you dressed so lightly? The night is cold. I thought you were with your companions. Why return early? I was preparing a surprise.”
Surprise.
My gaze lifted to his neck.
A fresh bite mark. Dark. Red.
My chest tightened. I said nothing.
Adrielle laughed softly and stepped closer. “Luna Ivara, the Alpha truly treasures you. He prepared all this for your bond anniversary.”
She pointed to the gifts stacked near the couch.
That was when I saw it.
A dark stain soaking into the fabric beneath them.
The scent.
The mark.
The truth.
So this was love?
He had taken her beside the offerings meant for me.
Pain burned through my chest, but I stayed silent.
Evander approached with a velvet box, opened it, and fastened a moon-diamond bracelet onto my wrist.
“Happy bond-day, my Luna. I prepared a candle feast. Just you and me.”
I shuddered and pulled away. “No. I feel unwell.”
Every breath near him felt like punishment.
He frowned at once, full of concern, full of act. He summoned healers, one after another, until they declared me fine. He ordered Cairos, his beta, to bring rare tonics. He even warmed moon-milk himself and waited until I drank it.
That night, exhaustion dragged me into sleep.
But when I woke in darkness, throat dry, I left my chamber for water.
And froze.
The door across the hall stood open.
Moonlight spilled inside.
Two shadows twisted together on the bed.
第2章
Adrielle’s voice drifted through the dark den, low and sharp.
“That moon-diamond bracelet you gave Luna Ivara… it’s worth a fortune, isn’t it? I begged you for one, and you ignored me. She never even asks, yet you give her the finest treasure in the pack.”
Evander’s shadow moved. He pushed her legs away, sat up on the bed, and lit a flame-leaf cigarette. His face was calm, distant.
“I told you before. The mate-bond will be broken soon. I care for my Luna, but for now, this stays hidden. If she learns the truth, everything ends.”
Adrielle climbed onto him, bare skin against skin.
“I understand,” she said softly. “But I love you. I can’t stop feeling jealous.”
Evander let out a slow breath, reached into the carved drawer, and pulled out another bracelet. Same design as mine. Different moonstone color. He dangled it in front of her.
“Stop sulking. I bought one for you as well. Wear it only in secret. If Ivara sees it, we’re finished.”
Adrielle’s eyes shone. She kissed him eagerly, whispering thanks, her body still marked by him. Then she asked quietly, curiosity sharp beneath her tone, “Why are you so afraid she’ll leave you, Alpha?”
His answer came fast, steady, without pause.
“I’m not truly afraid. I have you. But my grandfather favored Ivara. Once I inherit his Alpha holdings and moon-stocks… I can finally discard her and take you as my mate.”
Then he pushed Adrielle back onto the bed, taking her again. The carved frame creaked under them. Her cries filled the night.
I pressed my palm to the cold wall, biting back my sobs, my eyes locked on our bond portrait hanging nearby. His smiling face in that image felt like mockery.
“Thirteen nights, Evander,” I whispered through tears.
“I’ll be gone. Let’s see how mad you truly become.”
***
I woke to shouting outside—loud enough to tear me from sleep. When I opened my door, I saw a woman in the neighboring garden, clutching a man’s tunic.
“Tim, I gave you ten years of my life,” she cried. “I bore your pups. When we bonded under the moon, you swore loyalty forever. And now, just a few winters later, you sneak around with another?”
The sun had barely risen, yet many pack members were already near the lake—walking, training, breathing in the morning air. They stopped, staring, murmurs spreading.
The man—Tim, well known in the territory—went pale when he noticed the crowd. He dragged the woman inside and snapped harshly, “What’s wrong with you? I’ve told you enough times. No male stays loyal.”
The words sliced through me. I froze, their echo clawing at my chest.
Then a warm hand covered my ear from behind.
“Don’t listen to such foolish talk, Ivara,” Evander murmured.
I didn’t face him. “Tell me, Evander… do all men betray their mates in the end?”
He paused, then gently turned me toward him. His dark eyes held mine. “I can’t speak for every wolf alive. But me? I will love only you.”
I studied his face, perfect and practiced. “You’ll love me for a full lifetime? A lifetime is very long.”
He pulled me into his arms. “Yes, it is long. That’s why I want only you to stand beside me through it.”
I laughed softly, the sound bitter. “And if you betray me?”
“If I ever betray you,” he said firmly, “may the Moon Queen strike me down where I stand.”
The vow was bold. Cruel. Because I already knew the truth. His skin carried another woman’s scent after nights away. He could claim others and still speak these words without shame.
“Are you truly not afraid that vow may come true?”
“Not at all,” he replied. “No one understands how deep my love runs. If you doubt me, I will tear open my chest and show you my heart. If that is still not enough, Ivara… I will give you my life.”
I thought silently, If you are so ready to give me your life, why can’t you control your desire?
Before I could speak, a voice cut in sharply.
“What are you two doing here?”
We turned together.
Adrielle stood in the doorway, wearing a red silk dress that hugged her body, leaning lazily against the frame.
I felt Evander stiffen. His brows drew together. “It’s not a rest day. Why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?”
It wasn’t a brother’s tone. It was tight, edged with jealousy.
Adrielle noticed. She smiled slowly. “There’s a pack gathering tonight. I’ll find myself a mate there, so don’t wait for me.”
Evander’s expression darkened. Adrielle only smiled wider, then looked at me. “And you, Luna Ivara? Any plans today?”
Evander answered before I could. His fingers threaded through mine. “Ivara and I are returning to my parents’ territory.”
Something unreadable flashed in Adrielle’s eyes. She nodded politely, said goodbye, and left, her scent lingering faintly in the air.
And Evander… still did not release my hand.
Half an hour later, Evander drove us toward the Wargrove ancestral lands.
I hated that place.
His parents had never accepted me. Only his grandfather had shown warmth. To them, I was cursed. I gave birth to a daughter when they wanted a son. When she died, their hatred sharpened, poisonous. Each visit, their stares felt like blades, as if I had stolen their heir with my own claws.
Evander usually avoided bringing me, claiming it wasn’t worth the strain. But this time, his mother, Isolde, had fallen ill. No matter how I feared it, we had to come.
When we stepped inside, Lucien and Isolde were smiling, speaking warmly.
The moment they saw me…
Their smiles vanished. Their eyes turned cold.
第3章
My chest tightened. I lowered my head, pretending not to notice their cold stares, but Evander did.
His voice turned hard.
“If you keep treating Luna Ivara like this, then don’t expect us to return to this den again.”
The hall fell silent until Alpha Wargrove slammed his palm on the table. The sound made me flinch.
“Watch your tone. Are you truly saying you would abandon your blood and pack for this woman?”
Before I could step back, Evander caught my hand and laced his fingers with mine, holding me firmly.
“Father, I’ve said this many times. Ivara is the one I chose under the moon. She is the only person I refuse to hurt. I would never raise my voice at her, yet every visit you greet her with ice. Do you know what that does to me?”
His grip tightened.
“If this happens again, I won’t just leave this den. I will sever myself from this family forever.”
The Alpha everyone feared—who could order executions with a single word—now sounded like a devoted mate ready to burn his kingdom for me.
Pathetic.
He thought I didn’t know about his betrayal.
After his words fell like blades, the room stayed quiet. He stood before me like a shield, the perfect protective Alpha. But I didn’t feel safe.
I felt tired.
Isolde let out a breath and muttered, “Enough. Let us eat first.”
At the table, only the scrape of silver and stone could be heard. Isolde kept clicking her tongue in irritation. My fingers tightened around my fork. I knew it was coming.
She dropped her utensil.
“It’s been nine moons. You’ve mourned long enough. Yes, you lost a daughter. But it’s time to give this pack a male heir. You cannot let the Wargrove bloodline fade.”
Her mate nodded, his eyes cold as frost.
“That pup died because you failed as a Luna. A simple stomach sickness, and she never returned from the healer’s den. Stop acting like the victim. Conceive again—and do it properly this time.”
The words cut deep.
Before I could speak, Evander set his fork down. His voice was calm, but sharp. “I’ve told you already. Ivara fears pain. I will not force her to suffer again. If we never have pups, then so be it.”
Their faces darkened with displeasure. The air grew thick. They were about to attack again when I finally spoke.
My voice was steady. “You will have a grandpup in half a month.”
The room froze.
Three pairs of eyes snapped to me.
Evander squeezed my hand, his face wearing that gentle, false worry. “My Luna… you don’t need to force yourself for me. I’ll protect you.”
I almost laughed.
Protect me?
He couldn’t even stop himself from running into Adrielle’s arms whenever he pleased.
I smiled anyway.
“You want an heir so badly. Then let it happen.”
Their expressions softened at once, satisfied. But Evander looked uneasy, like his wolf sensed danger he couldn’t see.
Then his comm-stone vibrated.
He glanced down. I saw the name. Adrielle.
Her voice came through softly.
“Evander, there’s a male here asking for a quick night. Would you mind?”
I counted silently. One. Two. Three.
Right on time, he stood.
“Ivara, I need to handle pack business at the council hall. Stay and finish the meal. I’ll return for you later.”
He didn’t wait for my reply. He took his cloak and left.
The moment the door closed, Alpha Wargrove and Isolde dropped their false smiles.
“We’ll give you less than one moon,” Isolde snapped. “If you don’t conceive, never step into this territory again.”
Alpha Wargrove’s voice was cruel.
“You come from nothing. No parents. No backing pack. No power. Without Evander, you are worthless. Don’t think we’ll endure you forever.”
Their words kept striking, sharper and sharper, until it felt like the stone walls were closing in.
And Evander?
He never came back.
That evening, Evander finally appeared, calm as always, as if nothing had happened. We entered the carriage, the leather seat still warm from the sun.
I looked out the window and asked lightly, “Finished with pack matters?”
He paused—just a breath—then replied softly, “Yes.”
His fingers tapped the reins in a slow rhythm. That was his habit when he was in a good mood.
After a moment, he asked, “Did my parents trouble you after I left?”
I was about to answer when my eyes caught something beneath the seat.
A torn pair of silk stockings.
Not mine.
So that was where he had been.
I already knew about Adrielle, but I hadn’t expected him to use this very carriage.
Seven years as mates, and I had always been careful. I wasn’t wild. I wasn’t bold. Sometimes I even asked him if he wanted me to change, if I bored him.
Back then, he would hold me close, kiss my hair, and whisper, “My Luna, I only want you. Even if you wore nothing but rags, you would still be my choice. Never force yourself to change. I love you as you are.”
But the Alpha beside me now smelled of lies.
I swallowed the ache in my throat. “What do you think?”
He thought I meant his parents. He had no idea I had already seen through him.
Suddenly, he pulled the reins hard and stopped. He turned, pulling me into his arms.
“I’m sorry, Ivara. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I swear it won’t happen again.”
His embrace felt like a cage.
I pressed my palms to his chest and gently pushed him away. “Just drive, Evander. I’m tired.”
Because deep down, I already knew.
There was no future left for us.
第4章
The moment I stepped into the den, my body went still.
Adrielle was already sprawled on the stone sofa, wearing a silk sleep-robe, crunching on dried meat chips like she ruled the place.
“Didn’t you say there was a pack gathering tonight?” I asked calmly. “You said you wouldn’t return.”
She gave me a shy smile.
“Oh, Ivara, I forgot to tell you. I fought with my mate, so I went to the gathering to make him angry. I even told him. He didn’t care. But the moment I arrived, he showed up and dragged me away.”
She tugged lightly at her collar. The fabric slipped just enough to reveal dark marks on her skin.
Fresh bite marks.
She glanced at me, proud, like she was showing off a trophy. “I didn’t expect him to be so jealous,” she said sweetly. “We ended up fooling around in the carriage. Three times.”
My nails dug into my palms until pain bloomed. Still, my voice stayed level. “When did you even take a mate? You never mentioned it.”
She laughed softly and tossed her hair. “Oh, around nine moons ago. After I returned from beyond the borders. My brother introduced him to me.”
Nine moons.
The exact time she moved into this den. The exact time Evander’s so-called friend asked him to watch over his sister.
What a lie.
My breathing grew heavy. Anger simmered beneath my skin.
Then I felt it.
Evander’s hands settled firmly on my shoulders.
“My Luna,” he said gently, “you’ve had a long day. Let me prepare a hot bath. You need rest.”
He guided me toward the bathing chamber as if nothing was wrong.
I stepped inside and closed the door. I began to undress, clinging to the thought of sinking into warm water. Then I realized I’d forgotten fresh clothes.
When I opened the door—
The world stopped.
Not far away, Evander had Adrielle pinned beneath him. His hand tore at her sleep-robe like it was nothing. His mouth was pressed to her skin, his grip tight on her waist.
She tilted her head back, letting out soft sounds. “Careful,” she murmured. “Ivara’s still bathing. Didn’t you have enough in the carriage earlier?”
A low growl left his throat, dark and possessive. “Be quiet. If you even think of letting another male touch you, you’ll regret it.”
She laughed softly, pleased—and then her eyes met mine.
I was frozen in the doorway.
“Alright,” she purred. “I won’t. I’m yours alone. You’re so jealous, aren’t you, Alpha?”
That was enough.
I grabbed my clothes, shut the door, and locked it.
The water was scalding when I sank into the tub, but it burned far less than the images replaying in my mind.
Seven years ago.
Our bonding journey on that island. I had glanced—just once—at another male with a strong build. Evander lost control. He locked me in the chamber for a full week.
When the bed broke and supplies ran low, he pulled me close and whispered, “Ivara, I have everything you need. Don’t look at anyone else. Just promise me.”
I promised. Again and again.
From that day on, I never dared to even glance at another male.
Yet now, he was just as obsessed.
Just not with me.
With her.
I sank deeper into the water and let out a trembling breath.
When I finally stepped out, Adrielle was gone.
Only Evander remained, sitting calmly as if nothing had happened.
On the table were neatly cut fruits and a cup of steaming ginger root tea. The sight made my chest ache.
He stood and handed me the cup. “I know your moon-cycle is near. This will help ease the pain.”
The warmth seeped into my hands, but inside I felt frozen.
Minutes ago, he was tearing at her clothes.
Now he stood before me, playing the perfect mate.
***
I barely slept that night.
One thought kept circling my mind: How many faces does he have?
Just before dawn, I must have drifted off. A sudden shout tore me awake.
“Ivara!”
He shot up, hands searching in the dark until he found me. He crushed me against his chest, breathing hard.
“Don’t go. Please… don’t leave me.”
I stiffened in his arms. “What’s wrong with you?”
His eyes were red, his breath uneven. “I dreamed you walked away from me. It was hell. I woke up and you were still here. Thank the Moon you’re here.”
I looked down, words heavy in my throat. I wanted to tell him the dream would soon come true.
But I stayed silent.
Maybe that nightmare shook him, because the next morning, he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. He insisted on driving me to the Alpha Council Hall himself, like he feared I’d vanish if he blinked.
The moment we entered his office, I froze.
Every surface of his desk was covered with images of me. Different days. Different angles. Some I didn’t even know he had taken.
A chill ran through me.
Before I could speak, he stepped behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist. His lips brushed my neck.
“Ivara,” he murmured softly, “many females chase me. But when I see these, I remember who I belong to. You don’t need to worry. I am yours.”
I stared at the images, lips pressed tight.
I couldn’t answer.
A knock sounded.
Cairos’s voice followed. “Alpha, the council meeting is about to begin.”
Evander sighed and held me a moment longer before letting go. “Stay here, my Luna. Walk around, rest. I’ll return soon.”
I nodded, though my chest felt heavy.
I didn’t want to stay in that office, surrounded by my own face. So I wandered—hall to hall, level to level—pretending to look, pretending to care.
By midday, my comm-stone vibrated.
My heart raced when I saw the mark.
I answered quickly.
“Luna Ivara,” a woman said politely, “your request for passage beyond the borders has been approved. Please come to the Moon Council to collect your seal.”
I opened my mouth to reply…
But a voice I knew far too well spoke behind me.
“Passage seal?”
My blood turned to ice.
第5章
I turned slowly.
Evander stood there. His face had gone white, like the ground beneath him had vanished.
“What passage seal?” he asked quietly, but his voice shook.
My heart skipped, yet I forced a small smile. “Not mine. A friend plans to leave the territories. She called to ask about it.”
For a moment, he only stared at me, like he didn’t fully believe it. Then suddenly, he pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly I could barely breathe. His body trembled.
“Ivara,” he whispered into my hair, his voice rough, “don’t ever leave me. For a second, I thought you were going to disappear. I can’t… I can’t live without you.”
I rested my hand lightly on his back, pretending to comfort him. On the outside, I looked calm. Inside, my heart was already far away.
I knew the truth.
I was leaving soon.
That afternoon, while he was trapped in Alpha Council meetings, I slipped away. I went straight to the Moon Council Hall and signed the final seals on my papers. My hands shook, but my mind was clear.
***
That night was the Wargrove Pack’s grand gathering. Alphas, merchants, allies, warriors—all filled the great hall. Moon-lamps glowed, crystal cups sparkled.
I wore something simple and plain. I didn’t want attention.
Adrielle arrived in a deep blood-red gown that clung to her body. Every gaze followed her.
I saw Evander choke slightly on his drink when males crowded around her. His smile stayed perfect, but his jaw was tight. His anger simmered beneath the surface.
Whispers followed me too—how lucky I was, how Alpha Evander was obsessed with his Luna. Investors toasted to his devotion, calling me the envy of every female there.
When a male offered Adrielle a drink, Evander stepped in, took the cup, and drank it himself. His smile was smooth but cold.
“Can’t risk my friend’s sister being taken advantage of,” he said.
Adrielle laughed lightly. “Careful, Evander. Keep acting like this and Ivara might get jealous.”
I smiled, my voice gentle but firm. “No, I won’t. I know Evander loves me. He can’t live without me.”
He glanced at me then, unsure whether to feel proud or afraid.
That was when I noticed Adrielle’s wrist.
She was wearing a bracelet identical to mine.
She followed my gaze. Her smile faltered for a heartbeat—then she quickly excused herself and left the hall.
Evander grew restless. He checked his comm-stone under the table. Moments later, he stood with a polite smile.
“Excuse me. Urgent pack matter.”
Then he left.
I knew exactly where he was going.
When I tried to follow, one of Evander’s partners—a married wolf known for chasing others—blocked my way, trapping me in useless talk, smirking as he stalled.
I forced a smile. “I’m not feeling well. I’ll head home early. No need to trouble yourself. I’ll take a carriage.”
I slipped away, my heels quiet on the stone floor.
That was when I heard it.
A door left slightly open. Low voices. Sharp breaths. The clear sound of bodies moving together.
I froze.
Then leaned just enough to see inside.
Adrielle was on top of Evander, moving like she owned him. His hands gripped her legs, his head thrown back, a low growl leaving his throat.
Her eyes met mine.
She saw me.
And she smiled.
“Tell me, Evander,” she purred loudly, “do you really love me? If not, I’ll go to your pack partner right now.”
Evander gasped, desperate. “I love you, Adrielle.”
Her smile deepened, eyes still locked on me. “Then give me a pup. Do it inside me.”
His voice broke into a growl. “Yes… my flame.”
Tears blurred my vision.
My phone was already in my hand, recording everything. Every word. Every confession. Every betrayal.
Before they noticed me, I turned and walked away, silent as a shadow.
Back at the den, I pulled out my travel case. My hands shook as I opened it, but my heart was steady.
This time, I wasn’t just thinking about leaving.
This time, I truly was.
***
I sat in the skyport lounge, my travel scroll and pass clenched in my hand, my case beside me. My comm-stone buzzed.
Of course.
I answered.
“Where are you, my Luna? Cairos said you weren’t—”
“I didn’t feel well,” I said softly. “My head hurts. I went home to rest.”
“I’ll send Cairos with healing herbs.”
“No,” I said calmly. “I don’t need them. I just want to sleep.” I paused, then added, “But before you return, there’s a small gift waiting in our chamber. Please open it.”
On the bedside table:
The bond-breaking scrolls.
Our rings.
And the crystal shard holding his truth with Adrielle.
He chuckled softly. I heard a faint sound on his end—a breath, a moan—and my blood turned cold.
“I will,” he said, his voice already far away. “But I can’t return tonight. Important matters.”
Then I heard it.
Adrielle’s laugh.
“I’ll be home tomorrow,” he added, like nothing was wrong.
I smiled faintly.
“Alright.”
“I love you.”
“Rest well,” I whispered, ending the call before he could speak again.
My hand trembled—but my chest felt lighter than it had in years.
When the boarding call sounded, I stood, gripping my travel scroll like it was my lifeline. My comm-stone lit up again with his name.
I didn’t hesitate.
I turned it off.
As I stepped onto the skyship, freedom finally wrapped around me.
I whispered, “Goodbye, Evander. I am no longer yours.”