GONE

MAYA

"I heard a noise," Edward murmured, his voice laced with concern as he pulled his hands away from my face and looked toward the doorway. "Was that coming from Maria's side?"

"It was the picture frame on the wall," I replied softly, rubbing my thumb against his cheek to keep his attention on me. "It fell and shattered into pieces."

The moment those words left my mouth, Edward’s eyes snapped wide open. He didn't wait another second. He pulled away and practically ran out of the bedroom, his heavy boots thundering down the corridor toward the parlor and Maria's suite. I hurried right behind him, my heart pounding in my chest.

When we reached the room, the floor was covered in sharp bronze shards and shattered glass, reflecting the faint candlelight from the walls. Instead of calling for the housemaids, Edward dropped to his knees right there on the hard marble floor. He began picking up the broken pieces with his bare hands, carefully gathering every single fragment of the frame as if it held the weight of his entire life.

"Edward, stop!" I gasped, kneeling beside him as I saw a sharp edge slice near his palm. "Let the servants clean it up! You'll cut yourself!"

"No," Edward grunted, his jaw set tight, his eyes fixed on the ruined frame. "I will do it myself."

Maria stepped out of her doorway, her silk robe wrapped tightly around her chest, her face still pale from our earlier confrontation. She looked at Edward kneeling on the floor and scoffed, trying to regain her usual arrogant posture.

"This frame is ancient and completely ruined, Edward," Maria sneered, folding her arms. "Look at the mess. I will have the guards throw it out and order all these old pictures to be removed from the walls. They are becoming a hazard in my side."

Edward froze.

Slowly, he stood up from the cold floor, holding the shattered bronze pieces in his large hands. He turned his body toward Maria, his broad shoulders rising, his amber eyes suddenly blazing with an ancient, terrifying fury that I hadn't seen in months.

"Do not dare touch anything in this house, Maria!" Edward roared, his voice booming like thunder through the stone corridors, vibrating the very floorboards beneath our feet.

The sheer power of his Alpha voice struck the hall like a physical wave. Maria flinched violently, taking two hasty steps backward into her doorway, her breath catching in her throat. The color completely drained from her face, her arrogant mask shattering into dust as her hands began to tremble. I could see the pure, unadulterated fear in her eyes.

My Edward was back.

The strong, fearless Alpha who commanded the respect of the entire pack—not the broken man cowering under Maria's dark threats. Seeing him stand tall, claiming his authority and protecting the sacred history of our home, made my soul swell with overwhelming pride and love.

Maria stood glued to the doorframe, now shivering as her eyes darted back and forth between me and Edward. For the first time since my return, she realized that her grip on my husband had loosened, and that the two of us were standing together as an unbroken wall. She knew her blackmail was no longer enough to keep us apart or make us bow to her will.

Just then, soft footsteps echoed down the staircase leading from the guest rooms.

Clara stepped into the hallway, carrying her small leather travel bag. Behind her stood Grandmother, her heavy woven shawl wrapped tight around her stooped shoulders. Clara looked pale, but her expression was settled, free of the panic that had haunted her for days.

"Alpha Edward... Luna Maria," Clara announced, her voice quiet but firm in the silent corridor. "I am leaving with my grandmother."

Edward turned his head, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at the young girl. "Clara?"

"My grandmother has instructed that we return to our village," Clara said, keeping her eyes lowered politely. "My place is not here, and I no longer wish to be part of the arrangements in this palace. We are leaving this morning."

Maria opened her mouth to object, but a sharp, warning glare from Grandmother silenced her before a single word could escape her lips. The old woman gave Edward a slow, respectful nod, her ancient eyes briefly meeting mine with a quiet understanding, before she turned and guided her granddaughter down the grand stairs toward the heavy front doors.

I let out a long, quiet breath, watching their shadows fade into the morning light.

This was a good move. Clara was finally free from Maria's corrupt games, and Grandmother was taking her far away from the dark magic infesting this palace.

I leaned gently against Edward's arm, feeling the solid, steady warmth of his muscle as he held the broken pieces of the portrait close to his chest. I knew in my heart that this wasn't the end. Maria was a wounded snake, and a wounded snake would always strike again when backed into a corner. She would try to use the video, she would try to bring new lies to the council, and she would scheme until her last breath.

But for now, looking at my husband standing tall and fearless by my side, I felt a deep sense of calm wash over me. Let her try. We had peace and control in this house once more, and together, we were ready for whatever battle lay ahead.