Avery's POVThe car came to a silent halt in front of a small building nestled between a tall, fragrant hedge and a vibrant burst of flowering shrubs. The air, filled with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and damp earth, felt surprisingly fresh after the palace's stale atmosphere. It was not grand or glamorous, but it exuded a quiet charm and a sense of calm that swept over me like a gentle sigh. Its cream-colored walls, weathered and softened by time, whispered of stories lived within their embrace; the paint bore the faintest trace of a warm, almost golden hue in the afternoon sun.The front porch featured a narrow step with two potted plants resting quietly on each side. A simple iron gate stood halfway open, as if it had been waiting for us.The driver stepped out, opened the trunk, and within minutes, my maids and I were left alone with our luggage at our feet. The car drove away with a faint hum, and silence fell around us like a soft curtain.I turned to take another look at
Sebastian's POV A suffocating silence pressed down on my chambers, heavy and oppressive like a physical burden. Even the soft breeze that stirred the curtains could not lighten the air; only the long, skeletal shadows cast by the marble columns appeared to move as the dusk deepened, etching a slow, agonizing passage of time across the polished floor.I sat near the window, hands folded, staring at nothing in particular but the grey-blue sky fading into dusk.A gentle knock came at the door. I chose not to respond.It creaked open anyway, and Kael's familiar scent of wolf steel and pine wafted in before his voice."My prince," he said, pausing a few steps behind me. "Lady Avery has gone."I said nothing. My spine stiffened, but my lips remained still."She refused the jewelry," Kael explained after a pause. "Only requested a driver. Said she did not need anything else."“She’s… gone.” A sharp pang of disappointment pierced my carefully maintained composure. Against my better judgmen
Avery's PovThe fading light cast long shadows across my chambers, the mellow gold of the setting sun a cruel mockery of the icy emptiness I felt inside. My throat constricted, the unshed tears a bitter lump in my chest. The chilling finality of Sebastian’s dismissal echoed in my ears; a cold weight on my soul. My numb fingers tightened around the worn fabric of my dress; my mind reeling from his words. The pain was immense; palpable.It was all the confirmation I needed.I took a deep breath and reached for the small enchanted scroll beside my table, one that let palace residents send swift messages through the city's magic-bound parchment service. Within minutes, I had rented a modest apartment on the outer edge of Starlit Pack’s capital. Far from the royal eyes. Far from him.I was still staring out the window when I heard the knock on the door.“Come in,” I called softly.The door creaked open, revealing Flora and Eliha, their faces etched with worry. Flora's usually bright ey
Avery's PovThe sun hung lazily in the afternoon sky, warm and golden, but the light did nothing to thaw the cold ball of nerves twisting inside me. With every step I took down the long marble corridor, past the curious glances of servants pretending not to stare, I kept telling myself, Just hear me out, Sebastian. Just once... please.When I reached his chamber doors, Kael was already there, arms crossed, expression unreadable. He didn’t look surprised to see me.“Lady Avery,” he said stiffly.“I need to see him,” I said, my voice low but steady. “Just for a moment. I have something important to say.”Kael didn’t budge. “Please don’t make this harder than it already is.”His words weren’t cruel, but they still cut deep. I didn’t know whether it was pity in his voice or disappointment. Either way, it stung.“I beg you, Kael,” I whispered, stepping closer. “He has to hear me.”From inside the chamber came the unmistakable sound of footsteps. The door didn’t open, but a familiar voice s
Avery's PovA hesitant rap on my door, barely louder than a whisper, shattered the fragile calm of my sleep. My eyelids are heavy, and my body aches with a weariness that goes beyond simple exhaustion; the emotional wreckage of the previous night clings to me like a wet blanket. The bitter taste of betrayal lingered on my tongue."Princess?" It was Flora's voice, closely followed by Eliha's. "May we come in?"I sat up slowly, pressing my palm to my eyes, and responded in a hoarse whisper, "Come in."The door creaked open, and Flora and Eliha entered, their movements deliberate and gentle, as if they were walking lightly around a sleeping bird. Flora carried the breakfast tray with almost reverent care. Eliha followed, her expression a mix of concern and quiet strength. Their eyes met mine and instantly softened, conveying a depth of unspoken understanding and empathy."Good morning, Your Highness," Flora said, walking over to sit beside my bed after placing the tray on the table."W
Avery's PovFlora repeated, her voice quiet beside me, cautious and concerned. “My Lady… what are we going to do now?”I didn’t answer.The silence dragged, heavy and oppressive. My thoughts were disorganized, and my heart was a raw, throbbing wound. I was not sure what to say anymore. Every plan and hope had slipped through my fingers like sand.ThenKnock knock.The soft knock on the door startled me, dragging me unwillingly away from the storm in my mind.I cleared my throat and forced my voice to remain steady. "Come in."The door creaked open, and Amaya stepped in slowly, head bowed, fingers wringing the cuffs of her sleeves. She appeared to be timid. Too timid.My breath caught in the air. My entire body became stiff.The anger surged through me like fire in dry grass."You!!" I leaped to my feet, rage coursing through every muscle. “Get out! Get out of here!”Flora and Eliha turned to me in shock.“My Lady?” Eliha whispered. “What’s the matter?”"My lady, why are you shouting