Chapter 2: Cast Away

Olivia's POV.

I folded my clothes into the small bag, my fingers gripping the fabric so tight, my eyes burning from holding back tears. Every corner of this room was a memory I had spent together with Damien—the fake whisper of promises. The way he used to look at me like I was the only thing that mattered. Now all of it meant nothing; I was nothing to him.

The door creaked open behind me, and I snapped my gaze back. Realizing it was Damien, I felt my stomach knot in anger, and I snapped my gaze forward. I kept my back to him, focusing on the bag in front of me, forcing myself not to break down.

“Liv,” Damien called with his baritone voice, calm and controlled. But I didn’t answer. I had nothing to say to him.

“I need to talk to you,” he said, taking a step closer.

“What is there left to say?” I spoke against my will, my voice sharper than intended. Damien didn’t react to my coldness.

“I need you to leave the pack,” he said. “It’s for your good.”

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “For my good?” I spun to face him, my eyes burning with anger.

He tightened his jaw slowly. “This pack is dealing with too many threats right now. I need a strong Luna, and Brielle is…”

“Don’t,” I cut him off, my voice shaking. “Don’t stand there and try to justify what you did! You used me!” I yelled. “I was supposed to be your Luna; you swore it would be me.”

“I can’t change what is already done,” he said, his tone cold. “I have to ensure peace in this palace. Your presence only causes trouble for me, for Brielle, and for you also!”

I flinched at the way he said her name like it was normal, like she belonged here like I never did.

I whirled back to my bag, packing the last of my things inside. I refused to cry in front of him. As I reached for my coat, a piece of paper fell from the pocket. It landed on the floor between us, accompanied by a thin strap with two bold red lines.

“What is that?” Damien asked sharply, with a questioning frown on his face.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. I couldn’t pick it up. I just stared at it, my hands clenched into fists.

Damien bent down and picked up the test strip. His eyes flickered between me and the proof in his hand.

“Olivia,” his voice dropped lower, almost a growl. “Are you pregnant?”

A shaky breath escaped my lips. The truth was out now, but it didn’t matter anymore. Not after everything he had done.

“Yes, I am,” I said, my voice sharp, laced with sarcasm. “Surprised?” I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes at him. “I was going to surprise you after your coronation.”

Damien’s grip on the strip tightened. His lips parted slightly like he was about to say something. But then, just as quickly as it appeared, his face hardened again.

“Abort it,” he said.

The room felt cold; my stomach dropped. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at him.

“What did you just say?” my voice was barely above a whisper.

“I will have the pack doctor take care of it. You will be safe, Olivia; this can’t happen,” Damien explained, like this was some logical decision.

A sharp, unbearable pain erupted in my chest. “You’re serious.” My vision blurred with tears.

“You want me to…” I couldn’t even say the rest of my words as hot tears streamed down my cheek.

Damien’s expression remained cold and unreachable. “The pack comes first.”

I laughed, but it was hollow and bitter. “The pack? That’s your excuse?” I stepped closer, my voice rising. “Do you even hear yourself? This is our baby, Damien!”

Something flickered in his gaze, but it was gone too fast for me to grasp. His jaw tightened. “I won’t say it again, Olivia. This is what needs to be done.”

My heart shattered into pieces. The man who once held me like I was his world now stood there, telling me to erase the only piece of him I had left.

“You will regret this,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

Damien let out a soft scoff. He didn’t believe me.

“You will stay at the safe house outside the palace tonight. The doctor will check on you, and we’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

I lifted my gaze over my shoulder and walked past him, not stopping or looking back.