Chapter 3

I thought packing would take hours with so many belongings, but I finished quickly.

The gowns Kane had once chosen for me, the ones he said suited me perfectly, were now soaked with muddy water.

The maps Liam had drawn while we explored the mountains together lay torn to pieces.

In our group photos, my face had been crossed out with red marker.

I threw everything into the furnace without expression.

Kane came downstairs with Serena just as the flames consumed the last of my things.

Shock flickered across his face. "Those belong to the pack! What gives you the right to waste them?"

I replied flatly, "I'll pay you back."

Serena's sweet voice filled the silence. "Kane, let's go to Star-gazing Cliff."

"You promised to show me the 'Wolf Heart' constellation."

My hand froze at the mention of Star-gazing Cliff.

That was Kane's secret place. He had taken me there when I first arrived at the pack to comfort me.

He had pointed to the brightest star in the night sky and said, "Ella, remember, this is our secret alone."

"As long as the Wolf Heart keeps shining, you'll always be an irreplaceable member of the Moonshade Pack."

Now he was taking someone else there.

I finally understood. The girl who was once his "only one" had been completely forgotten.

Kane's eyes met mine for a moment. Something flickered in them - guilt, maybe regret.

They walked past the furnace where my memories were still burning. Serena glanced at the flames with satisfaction.

"It's so nice when people finally clean up their messes," she said sweetly.

Kane didn't respond, but he didn't correct her either.

As they disappeared into the hallway, I heard Serena's cheerful chatter. "I've always wanted to see the stars with you. Will you teach me about all the constellations?"

Kane's voice drifted back. "Sure. I know them all."

I stood there watching the last of my belongings turn to ash.