Chapter 5: When the Wolf Finally Let Go.

"We have entirely cut off ties, just as everyone wanted,".

Elena’s voice was calm when she said it, but the air around her felt sharp.

Outside the hospital room, Drake stood still, listening.

His eyes were fixed on her through the half open door. He could hear her clearly. And even though her tone was steady, something inside her words stirred anger deep in his chest.

Ezra had followed Elena into the room because he feared she had gone to the authorities to gain Drake’s attention. He thought this was another attempt to pull Drake back to her side.

But the moment she spoke, Ezra realized he was wrong.

This was not about Drake.

Ezra adjusted his boots from where he was standing. His eyes softened as he observed Elena.

“You should withdraw the case,” Ezra said carefully, breaking the silence. “This whole thing has gone too far.”

Elena lifted her head and met his gaze directly.

“I didn’t report it because of Drake,” she said quietly. “I reported it because I was the victim.”

“I don’t come from a strong family,” she continued. “I don’t have power or protection.”

Her voice did not shake, but every word cut deep.

“If my name is ruined, what do I have left? How do I finish school? How do I build a future? How do I survive in this pack?”

Ezra said nothing.

The photos from the night before had already spread through the university network. Whispers followed Elena everywhere. No elder or alpha could stop it, not even the Farringtons.

If the police did not clear her name, her academic record would mean nothing.

Without her education, she would lose everything.

Ezra understood that now.

Elena had no powerful clan behind her. No family is willing to shield her. No allies.

She only had herself.

Ezra sighed and tried a different approach.

“Then come work for us,” he said. “Join our company. We will sign you on for life. You choose the branch. You name your salary. We will give you whatever you want.”

He paused before adding, “It’s only an offer.

Whether you accept it or not, I will still explain everything to Drake.”

Elena closed her eyes briefly.

The offer sounded generous. But she knew better.

It was not freedom.

It was another cage.

“I don’t want your money,” she said flatly. “Or your arrangements.”

She leaned back slightly, ignoring the pain in her ribs.

“I just want to finish university in peace.”

She opened her eyes again.

“If Drake makes a public apology and clears my name,” her voice became firm, “I will withdraw the case.”

The door swung open and Drake walked in. His eyes were shining with restrained rage.

Elena met his gaze. But her pulse betrayed her.

Drake's eyes swept across Elena, halting at the bruises along her throat. Anger was winding through his body.

“If you want to conclude our divorce at the courthouse today,” his voice was gritty, “and vow to keep your distance from Cassandra and me, I’ll issue the public apology tomorrow.”

Ezra moved ahead, surprised by Drake’s unexpected entrance.

Ezra's hand lifted instinctively. “Actually, the drugging incident…it was Maya. She was the one behind it. She was trying to get you two back together. Elena had nothing to do with it.”

But Drake’s head snapped toward him. “Aren't you tired of this little act that you have been parading? What is it now? Worried the police will find out Elena was the one who drugged me, so you’re scrambling to cover for her?”

Drake gave them a mocking smile. “Or do you honestly believe I’m that easy to deceive? Maya hasn’t been anywhere near me.”

The bitter edge of a laugh rose in Elena’s chest, but she forced it back. Thus, this was it. He truly believed she was guilty.

It no longer mattered. She didn’t need his belief. She just needed her name cleared so she could return to what little future she still had.

Ezra opened his mouth. “Drake, it really wasn’t Elena. she…”

But Elena cut in, “Alright. I’ll go with you now.”

The room became still. Drake and Ezra’s eyes were fixed on her as they became astonished.

This wasn’t the Elena they knew.

Drake locked his jaw. “Let’s go. Now.” Drake demanded.

Elena shifted. She sat up, pulling on her worn-out jacket. Ignoring Drake entirely, she turned her attention to Ezra. “You can head home. I’ll drop the charges.”

Ezra paused, uncertainty flashing on his face. Just like that?

Drake, maintaining his frown, nodded his head in the direction of the door. "Great." I didn't come with a car.”

You have to drive us. “Be sure that she doesn’t withdraw and do otherwise.”

“I need to go home first. I need my ID.” Elena said.

Drake scoffed. “Who knows what stunt you’ll pull? “We'll accompany you.”

Her only reply was a slight shrug.

The journey was devoid of sound. The city roads streaked by the windows. As they eventually turned onto Elena’s street, both men tensed up.

The road was hardly spacious enough for a vehicle.

Drake’s nose flared in disgust as they stopped. His eyes swept over the environment in which he was standing. He can perceive the strong smell of poverty around him.

Ezra scowled, his look intensifying. "Elena, how do you manage to live here?"

If you don’t want to stay in the dorm, at least come and live with Maya. This place isn't safe.”

"I can manage it,” Elena responded.

She moved quickly through the tight passage, and the further they went, the deeper Drake's frown etched itself across his face.

Their steps halted before a modest metal door. The lock made a sound as Elena entered.

Elena pulled out her ID card from the desk drawer and placed it into her pocket.

At the courthouse, everything moved quickly.

The clerk spoke in a dull voice.

Papers were signed.

Stamps came down.

It was over.

Drake did not expect it to be this easy.

From the depths of his mind, a forgotten memory rose. Drake pushed the thought into the quiet corners of his mind.

“Where you’re staying is not secure,” he murmured. “I’ll change the apartment ownership to your name…”

“No need,” Elena interrupted. “I’ve done what you wanted. Now do what I want.”

She slid the divorce certificate into her pocket.

“After your public apology,” she said calmly, “I will leave this environment.”

She paused.

“You will never see me again.”