Chapter 4

Tears pricked my eyes.

Over the years, it wasn't that no one in the pack sympathized with what I was going through.

But sympathy was just sympathy. Against the absolute power of the Alpha King, no one dared to help me.

The fact that they took a risk to help me today was already a massive favor.

I spoke with a hoarse voice. "Thank you."

I went to the Elder Luna's study first and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your mercy, Elder Luna."

The older woman sat behind her desk and sighed.

"You've taken great care of him these past few years. I know that."

"He has violent blood running through his veins. He's paranoid and crazy. You've suffered a lot staying by his side."

"You're a good girl. I know you've wanted to leave for a long time."

"Since that's the case, go."

"I already had someone print your release papers. Here's a sum of cash to help you get on your feet."

"Leave the territory. Go to a human city where no one knows you, and live a good life."

My eyes were red as I choked back a sob. I took the envelope that symbolized my freedom.

The Elder Luna turned her head. "Go quickly, before he gets back."

I thanked her repeatedly. I was just about to rush back to the master bedroom to pack my bags.

But Ruby was already waiting there.

She marched in like she owned the place. Two maids followed behind, helping her carry her things. She was holding a brand-new suitcase, her back perfectly straight. She acted like the new mistress of the house.

As soon as she stepped into the main building, she took on the attitude of someone in charge.

I stood in the hallway, watching her walk closer.

Ruby smiled triumphantly.

"The Elder Luna officially approved it. From today on, I'll be the one personally serving the Alpha King."

She paused deliberately. Her eyes scanned my face, like she wanted to see me break down and cry.

But I just looked at her quietly, not saying a word.

Her smile faded a little, and she scoffed.

"You don't have to pretend to be calm."

"The Alpha got tired of you a long time ago."

"You're just an Omega making the highest salary in the whole pack, yet you act so entitled. You really don't know how lucky you are."

"Hurry up and pack your garbage, and get out."

The tone she used didn't sound like a maid.

It sounded more like a new Luna taking charge, dismissing a fallen favorite.

But I wasn't angry at all. I was actually trying desperately to suppress my wild joy. She really took this job.

I never had to live in fear of testing his food again. I never had to worry about waking up one morning to find my internal organs turned to mush by Wolfsbane.

Seeing that I wasn't speaking, Ruby frowned.

"What's with that look? Are you still refusing to accept the truth?"

I said in a low voice, "No."

Ruby waved her hand bossily. "Then hurry up and clear out the room!"

My bedroom was right next to Xavier's.

When he couldn't sleep peacefully at night, he'd have someone call me over.

When he had to work, I had to stay with him.

When he lost control of his emotions in the middle of the night, I had to stand by his side and gently soothe him. I did this even though he could hurt me at any given moment.

I lived in that small room for years. I never had a single full night of peaceful sleep.

Now that Ruby was rushing to move in, it was exactly what I wanted.

I didn't argue. I turned to go pack my things.

But Ruby couldn't stand my obedience. She ordered the maids next to her, "Throw all her things out!"

I froze. Before I could react, she grabbed my wrist.

Her eyes locked onto the moonstone bracelet. "And this."

She yanked at it hard, and I instinctively pulled my hand back.

Xavier had put this bracelet on me himself. He warned me that unless he allowed it, I couldn't take it off even if I died.

Ruby smiled viciously. "What? You don't want to hand it over?"

"You're about to be kicked out of the pack, and you're still shamelessly wearing the Alpha's reward. Do you have no shame?"

She was strong. Her nails dug into my skin, and drops of blood welled up.

The moment the bracelet was torn from my wrist, I actually felt a wave of relief.

Ruby couldn't wait to slide the bracelet onto her own wrist.

She raised her hand and examined it under the hallway lights. Her face was full of raw greed and joy.

"It really is flawless."

She looked at me smugly. "Something like this belongs on the wrist of someone who deserves it."

All I wanted to do was hurry up and get my things back.

My luggage and backpack had been thrown onto the driveway outside.

The autumn wind blew, scattering my belongings all over the ground.

Ruby stood by the door, commanding me from above. "Alright, hurry up and get out of here with your garbage!"

I crouched on the ground, pressing down on my bleeding wrist as I stuffed my things into my backpack. I didn't feel a single ounce of humiliation.

Instead, I felt incredibly free.

The moment I walked out of the estate gates, I tilted my head up and looked at the sky.

It had been overcast all day, but a little light finally broke through.

I wanted to laugh out loud, and I also wanted to cry.

I was finally free.

Just then, the roar of helicopter propellers came from the distance. The guards at the gate instantly stood at attention, shouting into their walkie-talkies.

"The Alpha King is back early!"

"Prepare to welcome him!"