Chapter Seven

POV Azalea

     Moonlight bathed my tear-streaked face. Thorne's betrayal was a physical burden, and his lover's words convinced me I had to divorce him. With the sunrise came a determination to start anew, away from Thorne and his mistakes. He may have been my true mate, but I didn't need to be tied to him forever.

"Thorne," I murmured to myself, wiping away the last remnants of my tears, "you don't define me. I can survive without you."

As I packed, bittersweet emotions surged through me. Our life had been imperfect, but it had brought moments of joy that I would cherish. Yet, the cost of staying had become too high and I knew I owed it to myself to find a life without betrayal or heartache.

"Starting anew is terrifying," I admitted, folding my clothes carefully into the suitcase. "But it's better than living in a constant state of pain."

I stood in the center of our bedroom, among half-filled cardboard boxes and scattered belongings. My heart raced with anxiety as I reached for another box, holding it firmly in my hands.

"Are you sure you want to take that one?" Elena, my friend and Luna of The Shadow Pack asked gently from the doorway. "It's quite heavy."

I nodded, whispering, "Yes, I need to keep moving forward." I folded my clothes, memories flooding my mind with each item. Though bittersweet, these memories were tainted by betrayal and lost love.

"Are you alright, dear?" Elena asked, stepping closer and placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?"

A tear rolled down my cheek as I forced a smile. "No, thank you, Elena. I think I've got everything." My voice cracked, betraying my fragile state.

Elena squeezed my shoulder gently, offering silent support.

Once the last of my belongings were packed away, I took a deep breath and gazed around the room, feeling the emptiness that echoed within my heart. The once vibrant space now felt cold and desolate, stripped of any traces of the life we had built together.

"Goodbye, my love," I whispered, my voice barely audible, as I turned to leave the bedroom.

One last look around our bedroom, and I knew that this chapter was ending. I had loved Thorne fiercely, but now my journey of healing and self-discovery must commence without him. Closing the door behind me, I felt a glimmer of hope.

"Goodbye, Thorne," I whispered, stepping into the unknown and embracing the challenge of rebuilding my life from the ashes of my shattered heart.

I walked slowly down the hallway, trailing my fingers along the walls as if to engrave every detail into my memory. Each room held a different memory, a different piece of my heart. The kitchen, where we had cooked countless meals together, is now silent and cold. The living room, where we had spent many nights cuddled up in front of the fireplace, now empty and devoid of warmth.

"Thorne," I murmured, my breath catching in my throat as I thought of my once-cherished mate. "Why did it have to come to this?" The question echoed through the empty house, unanswered.

I felt like a ghost, haunting the halls of a life that was no longer mine. I knew that leaving was the only way to heal, but every step felt heavier than the last. Finally, I reached the front door, pausing for a moment as I rested my hand on the doorknob.

I stood in the doorway, my chest heaving as I took one last look around the house. The rooms were now stripped of their warmth and familiarity, leaving behind only echoes of laughter and whispered promises. I blinked away a tear that threatened to escape, refusing to let this place see me crumble.

"Goodbye," I whispered, my voice filled with sorrow . And with one final deep breath, I stepped out of the house and into the unknown, ready to face a new chapter of my life.

"Time to move on," I murmured, my voice shaking with determination. With trembling hands, I closed the door behind me, sealing off the memories and pain that lingered within the walls.

The car ride to my new home felt like an eternity, but it was a journey I knew I had to endure. As the scenery blurred past me, I steeled myself for the new life that awaited me. I focused on the road, ignoring the persistent ache in my chest.

"Here we are," I whispered to myself as I pulled up to the small, cozy-looking apartment. It was a far cry from the grandeur of the pack mansion, but the simplicity of it offered me something I desperately craved – freedom.

I stepped out of the car, taking in the earthy scent of the nearby woods and the gentle chirping of birds. It was a stark contrast to the silence that had enveloped my old home. This was a fresh start, a chance to rediscover who I was without Thorne's shadow looming over me.

"Welcome, Azalea," said a friendly voice from behind me. Startled, I turned to see my new neighbor, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. "I'm Donna. If you need anything, just knock."

"Thank you, Donna," I replied, my voice barely audible. I tried to muster a smile, but it felt foreign on my face.

With a deep breath, I unlocked the door to my new space. The apartment was small but well-lit, with a modest kitchen and a cozy living area. A soft, neutral color palette adorned the walls, giving her a blank canvas to make my own.

I took a moment to absorb my surroundings, feeling an unexpected sense of possibility wash over me. This was a place where I could heal, grow, and forge my own path. It was terrifying, but also exhilarating.

"Alright," I said to myself, clenching my fists in determination. "Let's do this."

“ This is it, my new beginning.”