Three

Livia’s POV

The moment the door slammed shut, the sound echoed through the room like a final verdict as I stood frozen.

My chest rose and fell unevenly as my eyes slowly scanned the room, as if expecting him to walk back in and say it was all a mistake.

“Zach?” I whispered, my voice trembling as silence answered me.

My fingers curled into fists. He left, not just left, but he dismissed me. He wants me to go.

A shaky breath escaped my lips as disbelief flooded my veins. Is all like a dream to me as I don't ever believe a day like this will come.

“Did… did he just tell me to go?” I murmured, my brows knitting together, and for a moment, I laughed.

A soft, broken laugh that didn’t quite sound like my own.

“This is what I wanted, isn’t it?” I said to myself, my voice growing firmer. “Freedom.”

But the word felt strange on my tongue. 

My eyes darkened slightly as realization settled in. Not once did I beg him to stay, not once did I fall to my knees like I used to, and not even when he offered money.

My lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. “I rejected him…” i whispered, almost in awe. “I actually rejected him.”

I could still picture the look on Zach’s face, the shock, the disbelief, the bruised ego, and for once i had taken something from him.

I didn’t regret it. “I don’t care,” I muttered, shaking my head as if to push away any lingering doubt. “I don’t care what he thinks anymore.”

My gaze drifted toward the large doors of the room, the same doors that had kept me trapped for so long.

A palace, that’s what they called it, but to me?

“A prison,” I spat under my breath.

Slowly, I lifted my face toward the ceiling. “Moon Goddess…” my voice softened, almost reverent. “Thank you,” I muttered.

My eyes shimmered, but no tears fell, not this time and not anymore.

I turned in a slow circle, taking in the room, every corner, every object, every memory etched into its walls.

“What do I even take?” I asked quietly as my steps were hesitant at first, moving toward the wardrobe. I opened it, saw rows of dresses, expensive and beautiful.

My fingers brushed against the fabric before I pulled back sharply, as if burned.

“No,” I said firmly. “None of this is mine,” I said as my gaze hardened.

“I came here with nothing, and I will leave the same way.”

A strange sense of pride settled in my chest, and for once, I wasn’t taking anything from him.

Not his money, not his gifts and not even his name.

But just as I turned toward the door, a flicker of unease crept in.

“What if…” I paused, my heartbeat quickening. “What if he changes his mind?” I murmured as the thought made my breath hitch.

Zach wasn’t predictable; he was cruel, dangerous, and unstable.

My mind flashed back to his voice, cold, threatening. “If I ever get tired of you, I will sell you to old men who will use you until there’s nothing left.” he had threatened.

My stomach twisted violently as my hands trembled. I rubbed my hand over my stomach, feeling my baby kick. This is a secret I will forever keep from him.

“He wouldn’t…” I whispered, but even i didn’t believe it.

“He would,” I murmured as my jaw tightened.

“I have to leave now,” I said silently.

Quickly, I moved around the room, straightening things instinctively, fixing the bed, aligning objects, erasing any trace of urgency.

“If anything looks out of place…” I muttered, panic creeping in, “he might suspect something.” I said coldly.

I don't want to take chances as I need to move that night. Delay is as dangerous as they say it.

My movements became faster, precise and controlled.

I didn’t allow myself to think twice as I rushed toward the door, my bare feet barely making a sound against the cold floor.

Each step felt like a countdown; a feeling of freedom was right there.

Just a few steps more, the door opened as cool air brushed against my face.

My heart leapt as I stepped out but suddenly, as I walked into the darkness, a strong hand grabbed my arm.

I was shocked as fear took the whole of me. “Going somewhere?” a deep voice drawled.

I gasped, my body jerking violently as i tried to pull away. “Let go of me!” i snapped, panic flaring in my eyes.

The guard tightened his grip, his fingers digging painfully into my skin. “Easy,” he said with a low chuckle. “I’m here to help,” he said, and my brows furrowed, confusion mixing with fear.

“Help?” I repeated sharply. “By grabbing me like this?” I asked coldly.

His lips curled into a slow, unsettling grin.

The way his eyes traveled over my body made my stomach churn.

“You are trying to leave, aren’t you?” he said, his voice dropping. “I can get you out without anyone knowing,” he said.

I froze as I was surprised by how he knew about my leaving. It seems something wasn’t right as my instincts screamed at me.

“No,” I said immediately, trying to yank my hand free. “I don’t need your help,” I said firmly, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he stepped closer, too close.

“I already spoke to the Alpha,” he continued smoothly. “He gave me permission.”

Her heart skipped. “What…?” I whispered, shaking my head. “No, you are lying,” I said without hesitation.

“Am I?” he tilted his head, his grin widening. “Why would I lie?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

My breathing became uneven. Zach wouldn’t but then again… He would.

Rage and fear collided inside me. “I said, let go of me!” I shouted, struggling harder now, but the guard’s expression darkened.

“You should be grateful,” he muttered. “Not many get this kind of special treatment.”

My eyes widened in horror. “No, don’t touch me!” I cried, pushing against him, but he was stronger, far stronger than I was at that moment.

Before I could get myself together, he slammed me against the wall, pinning my wrists above my head.

“Stop struggling,” he snapped. “You will only make it worse.”

Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

“Please…” my voice cracked despite my effort. “Please, just let me go.” I pleaded painfully, but his grip tightened further.

“You should have listened,” he said coldly but before I could react. A sharp pain exploded at the side of my head, everything spun, and my vision blurred immediately.

The last thing I saw was his cruel smile and then darkness. I collapsed, my body going limp as unconsciousness swallowed me whole.