Chapter 3

After leaving the villa, I headed for the city hall to file my pack withdrawal request. In a week, I'd be free from the Nightcrest pack and leave this place for good.

I handed over all the work at the ballroom and quietly started closing my affairs in the pack. Once I was out of here, I knew I was never coming back.

Suddenly, Theron wasn't busy anymore and spent every day by Mirelle's side. Worried about her health, he hired two bodyguards to protect her at all times.

"Don't tire yourself out. The ballroom manager can handle the details. You like Cresthorn Bloom from The Obsidian Woods? I'll have them flown in."

He gently, considerately arranged everything for her comfort, while I watched from the shadows and bitterly realized that two months of effort had been nothing but a joke.

When I first took over the decoration of the ballroom, he'd frowned and dismissed my excessive concerns.

"The ballroom staff are way more familiar with the flow of the mating ceremony than you are. There's no need for you to fuss over that."

When I told Theron I wanted something unique, he indifferently answered, "Do whatever you like as long as it makes you happy."

When I pleaded with him to plan with me, he'd brushed me off without a second thought. "That's too much trouble. I have work and no time for this nonsense."

So, I'd worked alone for long days and sleepless nights, pouring everything into the decor of the ballroom and losing more than ten pounds from exhaustion.

Two weeks ago, he suddenly started showing interest. "The setup feels plain. Maybe changing the colors might help."

He gave me a long list, so I thought he finally cared and that my effort mattered. I gutted the design I loved, scrapped two months of work, and rebuilt everything to match his taste without a word of complaint.

At first, I believed it was for us, only to realize that everything he was doing was for another she-wolf.

But I reminded myself that I'd be gone and free from all this mess in two more days. I locked myself in my room and paid no attention to their tactics again.

The night before I left, I returned from the bathroom after washing up to find my door slightly ajar. There were subtle sounds of movement coming from the inside.

When I rushed in, Mirelle was standing before the mirror in the wedding gown I'd designed and stitched myself. It was adorned with 99 moonstones from the bouquet Theron had given me when he proposed, and it meant everything to me.

But now, the wedding gown I attached so much importance to was hanging on her body.

My face flushed in rage as my chest rose and fell with anger.

When Mirelle saw me, she was flustered and apologized, "I'm sorry, Arynn. It was just too beautiful, and I couldn't resist trying it on. I'll take it off right now."

Her hands clumsily fumbled at the delicate fabric, but the more she panicked, the more she messed up. And with a sharp rip, a long tear ripped the gown apart.

"I'm so sorry, Arynn! I didn't mean to! I'll pay for it, no matter the cost!"

Deep down, her thoughts came with a triumphant, manic crackle. "You must be horrified, huh? Don't even dream of having the chance to wear a wedding gown in this lifetime!"

Theron rushed in and pulled her into his arms in concern. "I told you not to get worked up. You're pregnant, you know!"

When his gaze fell on the ruined wedding gown, his expression fell. "Who said you could touch Arynn's gown? Why is it ripped?"

Mirelle sobbed and pitifully trembled. "I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to… I just thought it was beautiful…"

His sternness softened away. With a sigh, he turned to me apologetically. "I'll find the best tailor and have it restored, no matter the cost. Yes, Mirelle made a mistake, but she's carrying a pup. Could you forgive her this once?"

I said nothing and listened to his thoughts ringing in my ears.

"Mirelle went overboard. If she loves the gown, I'll have another made exactly the same. She can wear it tomorrow at the mating ceremony.

"I must keep it from Arynn. She might feel hurt, but once Mirelle's settled down, I'll break the mate bond with her and make it up to Arynn."