Chapter 4

When I got home, I pulled out my suitcase and started packing. There really wasn't much that was truly mine, only a few outfits, some everyday medications, a photo album, and a handful of little things Brandon had casually given me over the years.

I folded my clothes into the suitcase, then walked over to the fireplace and tossed some of the old gifts in. They were things like dried moonflowers, a dusty scarf, and a hair clip I'd never wear again. The flames caught them and quickly turned them black.

The door opened just as I threw the last small box into the fire. Brandon stopped in his tracks, his gaze landing on the fireplace. For once, his expression looked unsettled.

"Liz, what are you burning?"

I turned around and saw he was holding a new gift box.

"Nothing important." I dusted the ash off my fingertips.

"They've been sitting around too long. They've picked up smells and gotten dusty. I couldn't get them clean, so I'm getting rid of them."

He looked at me like he was trying to read something on my face, but I just stood there calmly. After a few seconds, the strange look in his eyes faded—like he'd finally relaxed.

"If you don't want the old stuff, that's fine." He walked over and handed me the gift box, his tone softening.

"I bought you something new."

Inside was a moonstone bracelet. It was beautiful and expensive.

If this were before, I probably would've softened again at this small gesture of his. But now, I just closed the box and set it aside gently.

"Thank you."

Brandon looked like he wanted to say something, but his phone suddenly rang. He glanced down at the screen, and his brow twitched almost imperceptibly. Liana's name flashed across it.

He declined the call, but less than two seconds later, a second call came through. I stood there without saying anything.

Finally, Brandon answered. I couldn't hear what she said, but he replied quietly a few times, and his expression clearly shifted.

After he hung up, he looked at me with a slightly placating tone. "There's a small issue at the border. I'm going to check it out. I'll be back soon."

I nodded. "Okay."

He seemed surprised by how calm I was and paused for a moment, but in the end, he still left. After the door closed again, the whole house fell silent.

Not long after, my phone buzzed with an unknown number. I opened the message. It was from Liana.

"Elizabeth, don't misunderstand. Brandon and I grew up together. I know his habits and his thoughts better than anyone.

"An outsider she-wolf like you should feel lucky Brandon even brought you back to the Blackstone pack from the snow, let alone bonded with you for three years.

"Some positions can't be secured just by being bonded, like the position of the future Alpha's mate. That was never yours."

Then she added one more line, casual and light.

"By the way, check the bottom layer of the gift box he gave you."

I was silent for a few seconds, then opened the gift box. Sure enough, under the velvet tray was a new photo.

The photo was crystal clear. In front of the jewelry store's bright mirror, Liana held up her hand, the green ring glinting on her finger. Brandon stood behind her, looking down at her with a tenderness that was almost blinding.

I stared at the photo for a long time without moving. The ones who were loved always got everything so effortlessly, while the ones who weren't could only lie to themselves over and over again.

I laughed softly, then put the photo back in the box and closed it. I didn't cry or make a scene. I wasn't going to care about Brandon anymore. He'd completely disappeared from my heart.

I placed the signed mate bond dissolution agreement on the table, next to a moonstone ring. It was the ring Brandon had chosen when we bonded. I left it on the table and didn't take it with me.

Before walking out, I turned back to look at the house I'd lived in for three years. The fire in the fireplace was still burning, casting long shadows on the walls. This place was filled with Brandon's scent, but there wasn't a single inch that belonged to me anymore.

I closed the door, dragged my suitcase out, and walked into the night. The lights of the Blackstone pack were still on, and the full moon banquet had just begun.

But I didn't look back.