Chapter Two!
After I ended the mindlink with Alpha Thorne’s courier, I took a long, shallow breath, grounding myself in the stone–cold quiet of the Temple’s eastem wing. My chest burned–not with longing or heartbreak, but with clarity!
I wasn’t going to weep Those tears dried up years ago
Now was the time to rise, reclaim what remained of my dignity, and tell Ronan I was leaving Silverclow for good.
The hum of wolf–song echoed from the great hall–an ancient melody reserved for blood vows, farewells, and death rites. I hadn’t realized how late it had grown X
Pulling a simple dusk petal gown from the closet, I slipped it over my shoulders. Pink like the ones Lyra once wore in springtime, I knew showing up would only twist the dagger deeper into my chest, but I had to be seen. Had to say goodbye
I stepped into the hall–and froze.
Before the hearthfire stood Ronan, his hand resting on Liora’s shoulder. No kneeling, no humility. Just a decree, barked like an order.X “Tonight, Iname Liora as the Matron of Silverclaw,” he announced, his voice echoing over the pack. “Let this death anniversary bring rebirth for our people. Let Lyra’s spirit rest, knowing her place is in trusted hands.”
Liora–Elara’s old nursemaid–gave a soft, practiced sob and leaned into Ronan’s side.
The triplets surged forward, beaming.
“She’s finally going to be our real mother!” Calix shouted.
dat me
“Better her than that cursed she–wolf Ryker added with a glare aimed at me!!!
I stepped further into the room, and my presence sliced through the celebration like a
*Congratulations,” I said coolly “How poetic–turning a death ritual into a coronation.”
Ronan’s head whipped toward me “Selene–what–77
“Relax. I’m only passing through. I came to say I’m leaving the packlands tonight”
The silence after my announcement was almost reverent.X
“What’s wrong with you?” Ronan growled
silver b
blade.l
“Oh Goddess, Selene, don’t leave because of me,” Liora wailed, clutching her belly like she might shatter
Ronan grabbed my wrist, trying to pull me from the room. I yanked away.
“Don’t touch me, you lying cur,” I spot”
Calix snarled and lunged, shoving me. “You betrayed our family! You should have stayed exiled”
“She poisoned everything!” Ryker hissed.!!
“Elara, Liora called sweetly. “Come here, darling. Don’t let that she wolf hurt your father again.“3
But Elara had already slipped away. When she returned, she held something small and fragile.
My breath caught it was the locket. My mother’s locket. The one Lyra had hidden and whispered was “all that’s left of our bloodline. How did Flara–L
“No” I lunged forward She smiled–and dropped it.!!
The chain snapped. The stone cracked. And with it, every last thread tying me to Lyra’s memory.
“What have you done?” I whispered, falling to my knees.
“If you ever try to hurt our true mother again, Calix said coldly, “we’ll destroy everything you love.”
Gasps oppled across the room.X
“Who even is she?“!
“She’s the cousin Lyra’s cousin. The one who seduced the Alpha before Lyra died.“)
“Didn’t she try to take Lyra’s place?”
“She’s mad Lyra was nothing like her–Lyra was gentle. Beloved.”)
I straightened My spine a blade
“Say what you like,” I said through gritted teeth. “But these brats–“%
“That’s enough!” Ronan thundered.
I saw the slap coming But I was faster I caught his wrist mid air And slapped him. Once. Twice
“Rot in the hell, Ronan “1⁄2
I turned and stormed from the hall, the tears hot behind my eyes–but I wouldn’t let them fall. Not yet.
Back in my quarters, I moved like a ghost, throwing essentials into my travel satchel Every heartbeat echoed with hollowness
Then–CRASH The door slammed open.
Ronan stormed in, eyes glowing “What madness has taken you?” ignored him, folding my cloak.
He kicked the satchel across the room “Do I have your attention now?”
“No.” I said simply “Take the satchel Take the cloak. Take it all“ı
“You liked me better when I was silent, didn’t you?” | snapped. “When I let you treat me like a shadow.”
“Let me explain!” he barked 1 folded my arms.
“I spared you,” he said, voice lowered. “I saved you from being mated to that brute your father chose. You think caring for my children is beneath you?
I flinched. “So now I’m your housemaid?”
He smirked. “You’ll do more good here than you would chained to a monster Alpha Be grateful. I’m giving you a purpose.”
“You think this is mercy?” I whispered. “You think I’m too broken to choose my own fate?**
He stepped closer, tone shifting. “You forget… we made a deal. I promised you. Once the triplets turned twelve, I’d go with you to your father’s pack I meant it. I still do.”
froze. My breath stilled He softened. just need a little more time, Selene. One more year. The triplets…. they begged for this–one last stable year And Liora… she’s carrying my child. I owe it to them to give them that much.”
“And after that?” I asked, heart sinking
He nodded. “T’ll go with you. I swear it ”
He leaned in and kissed my cheek–like he hadn’t just gutted me
Then he turned and left I wiped the kiss away. Then the other!!
“You must think I’m such a fool, Ronan,” I whispered.
A soft rustle.
“always did think you were,” Liora said, stepping in with a smirk, one hand on her swollen belly.!!
“I’ve had him longer than you ever did, And I’ll keep him.. even if I have to kill the memory of Lyra to do it.”
