The end of US

That night, after returning home, silence lingered. Both of us in our own world of thought or perhaps we don't know what to say.

I looked at Daniel, his facial expression says it all.

He didn't say a word, the way his eyes dropped to the floor, like he couldn't bear to meet mine.

There was a flicker of something in his eyes — grief, maybe betrayal — but it vanished before I could name it

And when he finally looked at me, it wasn't anger I saw. The kind that says everything has just fallen apart.

“Goodnight”, I manage to say — my voice is a bit dry. I looked at him one last time before sauntering to the bedroom, turning off the light on my way

I heard him take a deep breath and soon enough, he followed me.

“No matter how you fight. I'll keep coming for you”.

His words live rent free in my head, I don't know why but I just can't seem to forget.

Deep inside me, I knew this is just the beginning and this bond will soon start affecting me.

As much as I know this, I want to run — as long as my leg could carry me.

The bond must be a mistake after all, the moon goddess is obviously playing a trick.

Not Cade — my tormentor.

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Next Day

I woke up to the soft hum of silence, my body still nestled from yesterday's. Daniel was not beside me, I dragged my groggy self to the sitting room — where Daniel was.

“Good morning Daniel” I murmured, barely audible.

He looked at me with… anger ??, I don't know cuz it disappeared as soon as it came.

“And what is good about this morning Ayla cuz all you could think of is mentioning that Animal's name all night”

He shouted at me but …. What !!!!...i am very sure I did not mention Cade’s name.

“I don't know what you are talking about Dan, I think there is a misunderstanding” I replied him, a bit puzzled

“You fucking heard me right, I heard you clearly”

At this point, I knew it was possible to mention his name cuz of that mate shit.

I glanced at him, feeling heartbroken as tears rolled down his eyes.

“You have to believe me Dan, even if I mentioned his name I have nothing to do with him, You know I love you” I muttered, sincerity laced in my voice.

His face twitch for a moment before he replied me

“Love ?, did you just say Love?, I guess not cuz if you do, you'd have told me from the beginning that you are an Animal”

Something in me sparked, was it because he mentioned Cade’s name or because he called me an animal.

I did not let him settle before an unknown force from within me threw him backwards.

“I am not an Animal, i am a human just like you” my voice thundered, with authority and — power.

He is frightened, I can see it. I just push my Daniel. I looked at my hand like I just performed a wonder.

It's indeed a wonder, not in my wildest dream will I ever think of hitting Daniel.

“I can't continue with you anymore, you have changed and… and….and…and you just just an animal in human clothing”.

After saying that, he sprinted, his legs blurred as he ran at a top speed. I hit him so hard, I can see droplets of his blood on the floor.

Realisation hits me, Daniel is gone, am all alone — again.

He was my last ink to normalcy. This whole thing has to be a dream I need to wake up from. I sobbed uncontrollably

Not after everything. Determined — I stood up, using the hem of my cloth to clean the tears still refusing to stop.

“Lets go Ayla” my wolf whispers

_________________________________________________

Bloodhowl Pack

Hood up, swollen face, red eyes were all my physical appearance as I found my way to Mae’s cottage

My house – the place I once found solace.

Smell of cinnamon welcomed me as I opened the door. Memories of my childhood flooding in.

I dropped my bags and sluggishly fell on the Vintage couch just behind the door.

_________________________________________________

I was still in my world of dreamland when I heard a knock on the wooden door.

“Yeah who's that” I replied, my voice a bit cocky

“Owner of this cottage”

The last time I checked, Mae is the owner of this Cottage. I muttered.

I opened the Door and who I saw left me dumb struck.

Beatrix !!!!

The fuck is Beatrix doing here ??, as far as I know, she lives in the city

“Will you leave the way ?”, Beatrix sassy voice sounded

“What are you doing here Beatrix, you hate the pack” I asked her, looking a bit surprised

“What am I doing in my mother's house ?”

I left the way for her, still looking surprised .Beatrix never likes it here, she complains everytime when Mae was still alive.

I was still in my train of thought when I heard her voice again

“I will be using Mom’s room, you can take mine”

Using ???.....is she staying here for good ?.

Beatrix was neutral, she never bullied me nor helped when they bullied. She just stayed in the shadows — watching.

_________________________________________________

After what felt like hours, I realized I haven't visited the Palace — to Cade. To tell him a piece of my mind. No matter what, my mind is made up — I will do everything in my capacity to break the bond.