Chapter 4

Xavier and I did not speak on the drive back.

When we returned to the estate, he practically supported Lily the entire way.

Her face was pale, and she said she felt a bit nauseous. Xavier immediately ordered the butler to spray air freshener, specifically requesting a floral scent.

I dragged my luggage downstairs and happened to run into him.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he added casually, "Also put two stems of lilies in the vase. Clara likes those."

That comment made me pause mid-step.

Was it guilt? Pity? Was he trying to pretend nothing had happened, expecting me to play along in this absurd domestic charade?

I wanted to laugh and vomit at the same time. He had forgotten the day we confirmed we were fated mates, yet he still remembered I loved lilies.

Without a word, I dragged my suitcase to the guest room.

The room was quiet as a coffin. I could only hear my own breathing.

When I opened my luggage, I froze. Everything inside was damp and reeked of a pungent odor.

Fortunately, my documents were still hidden in the waterproof compartment, completely intact.

It could only have been Lily. Who else would do something this petty?

Nevertheless, it did not matter. I would just let her think she had won. I was busy preparing to leave.

I had just tucked the documents into my jacket when the door suddenly swung open.

Lily leaned against the doorframe, her fingers toying with a lighter, her smile contemptuous.

"Clara, your grandfather died not too long ago, right? You don't have any family left, so you can only cling to Xavier. How pathetic.

"Remember when you begged him to take you in his fastest car to see your grandmother one last time? He refused because he took me to watch the sunrise on the mountain that day.

"The scenery was beautiful. We even took a photo of us kissing. Want to see it?"

I stood frozen. Every word she spoke was like a blade stabbing into my heart.

I felt rage rising within me. My wolf growled low, and my rationality began to crumble.

"You think destroying me will make you the next Luna?" I asked coldly.

She raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I don't need to become Luna when I can be treated better than one. Xavier just drained your blood for me. Did you forget?"

"You're nothing but a thief coveting my life!"

She scoffed. "Well, I've stolen everything from you, haven't I?"

In that instant, I lunged at her, my fingers nearly closing around her throat.

She cried out and threw the lighter in her hand. It hit the ground with a strange explosive crack.

The next second, flames erupted. A searing wave of heat nearly knocked us both over.

My suitcase had been doused with gasoline!

The fire spread rapidly, triggering a violent blaze. Smoke choked into my lungs, and my throat burned instantly.

Having just been discharged from the hospital, I could not withstand it. My knees buckled, and my vision blurred.

In my ears were her hysterical screams and the sound of frantic footsteps.

"Clara! Are you in there? Answer me!"

"Alpha, the fire is fierce inside. You can't go in!"

"Get out of my way! She's still in there!"

I struggled to open my eyes. He actually called my name?

For a moment, I almost believed he had come to save me.

However, immediately after, another cry rang out. "Xavier, save me! Save our pup!"

His footsteps shifted direction. Just like that, he scooped Lily up and fled the inferno as if protecting a treasure.

Meanwhile, I lay in the black smoke, watching his back disappear.

"Clara, just hold on a bit longer! Lily's pregnant. She can't be in danger. I'll come back for you right away!"

I laughed, tasting blood in my throat. He had not come to save me. Even if he shouted my name, his hands would still reach for her.

At this point, I no longer dared believe a single word from this werewolf's mouth.

He did come back later, searching the entire estate. However, I was already gone.

I did not know how I escaped.

Flames scorched my skin, and smoke blocked my throat. I almost thought today would be my death.

In the most dangerous moment, my wolf awakened. My bones twisted in agony, and my skin tore open with silver light.

At that moment, I was no longer anyone's Luna. I was just a wolf desperate to survive.

I protected my documents and charged toward the window. With a loud crash, I smashed through the glass and landed heavily on the grass.

Glass shards tore through my skin. The night wind cut like knives.

However, I was still alive.

I dragged my wounded body through the backyard, the warehouse, and the fence. My lungs burned, and blood dripped onto the ground. My movements held no hesitation.

Only after I boarded the flight to the Western Territory did I allow my body to relax even slightly.

Right before takeoff, my phone screen lit up. It was a message from Xavier.

[Clara, stop throwing a tantrum and come out. I've been looking for you.]

Expressionless, I closed my eyes and turned off my phone.