Chapter 5
660 Words
When I came to, I felt wnineless, like I was floating in midair, but the stench of rot told me I was closer to hell. I opened my eyes and saw myself reflected in the murky water of the dungeon. Blood crusted my skin, my hands chained above me, hair a tangled mess, clothes in tatters. A broken, ugly wreck.
I let out a bitter laugh, but the faint pop of fireworks drifted through the dungeon's small window, followed by a guard's grumbling.
"Word is, Alpha Marcus is taking Celeste up to the pack tower to celebrate with the pack. He even shelled out a hundred thousand silver pieces to the craftsmen to make fireworks spelling out 'Celeste's Eternal Fortune'..."
I froze.
That day Belvaria set aside for the Luna's birthday.
Last year, Marcus wasn't Alpha yet, but he dragged me to the outskirts, setting off a breathtaking display of fireworks just for me.
Under their dazzling glow, he kissed me. "Julia, it's not your birthday, but it's the day you came to me. Every year, I'll light up the sky for you."
One year later, the wolf who promised me fireworks gave another she-wolf an even grander show.
In the silent dungeon, I stared at my reflection in the water, whispering,
"It hurts, doesn't it?"
The fireworks grew louder, more insistent, and I could almost hear the pack cheering "Celeste." The noise was deafening, making my head spin.
Then Marcus's voice echoed through the dungeon.
"Let her out."
My lower body was numb from the icy water, and the guards had to drag me to him. He looked down at me, his voice cold.
"If Luna Celeste hadn't pleaded for you, I wouldn't be letting you off this easy. I spoiled you too much, and it turned you vicious enough to harm your own pups."
I lifted my head with effort, meeting his icy gaze.
My cracked lips moved.
"Marcus, do you remember what today is?"
He sneered, his eyes full of disgust.
"The day you showed up in my life. What's the big deal?"
I stared, stunned, until he snapped,
"Why are you crying now?"
Only then did I realize tears were streaming down my face. He remembered everything. He just... didn't care.
My chest felt hollowed out, filled with a wind colder than the dungeon's chill. I barely registered being brought back to the palace until the Silkshade Palace plaque loomed above me.
Marcus's eyes softened as he spoke.
"Tomorrow's my binding ceremony with Luna Celeste. I was going to lock you up in Goldenspire Palace to keep you from stirring up trouble and ruining her day. But Elara says you’ve stood by me a decade—you deserve to see me happy."
He turned to me, the warmth in his eyes vanishing.
"Celeste is so kind. Don't let her down."
His earnest expression stabbed through my already shattered heart like a sharpened spear. I clenched my teeth, forcing the pain back down. "I understand," I whispered, barely audible.
Ten years as mates, two pups between us, and all I had left was watching him find happiness with someone else.
That night, I sat on the threshold of a side chamber in Silkshade Palace, staring at the moonlight.
Beside me was a small bundle—the only things I'd take with me.
Fragments of the wolf teeth token Marcus smashed, a lock of Anastasia's baby hair, Theo's first lost tooth.
Nothing else in this world, not mine to begin with, was worth carrying.
The full moon bathed the world in silver.
I raised my hand, murmuring, "Mom, Dad, don't worry. I'll be home soon. Mom said you two were so in love. I always thought I'd find someone and live like you did. But it was all just a mirage, wasn't it? If only I'd listened to Mom and stayed out of that attic..."
In the quiet chamber, my voice was the only sound, unanswered by anyone.
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